5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.? 

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{ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. { 



DE. SEWALI/S LECTURES. 




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THE 

HOLY SPIRIT 

CONVINCING THE WORLD 

OF SIN, OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND 
OF JUDGMENT : 



CONSIDERED IN FOUR LECTURES ; THE TWO FORMER DELIVERED AT 

THE TUESDAY EVENING LECTURE IN BRATTLE STREET, JAN. 

20 y AND MARCH 3; THE OTHER TWO AT THtf OLD SOUTH 

CHURCH, IN BOSTON, APRIL 17 AND 26. 1741. 



I$2 io0£pf) Snuali, ©. ft, 



-.tor... 

/ 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY REV. R. K. SEWALL, 



REVISED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. 



BOSTON: 

MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, 
Depository No. 13 Cornhill. 

1846. 



33/7 £33 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, 

By CHRISTOPHER 0. DEAN, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 




m> 



INTRODUCTION 



On introducing to the public a new and unaltered 
edition of this little but important work, many 
considerations present themselves. The relation 
of the subject of the work to man's spiritual 
welfare, is one. But there are others connect- 
ed with the history of the work itself, and the 
progress of evangelical sentiments, which ought not 
to be overlooked. The reputation of the dead is in- 
volved, as well as the interests of the living. Truth 
and righteousness — the faith and memory of our an- 
cestors — are also concerned. 

These lectures were preached during one of the 
most extensive and interesting revivals ever witnessed 
in this country. It is known as the " great awaken- 
ing." It began about A. D. 1734, # under the preach- 
ing of Edwards, Whitefield and Tennent, and con- 
tinued nine or ten years. 

* Great Awakening, p. 1. 
1# 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

In consequence of this religious interest, a Tuesday 
evening lecture was established in Boston, of which 
Dr. Sewall in his private journal speaks thus : 

" Oct. 21st. An evening lecture was begun at Dr. 
Column's. He preached from Isa. 60: 8 ; great as- 
sembly. 28th. I preached from Ezek. 11: 19,20; 
another great assembly. I hope God helped me under 
my infirmities. It is said many were affected. 
Lord, touch the hearts of thy people — put a new heart 
in them. let not our sinfulness hinder the success 
of thy word ! The Thursday lecture seems to be 
better attended." 

" Jan. 20, A. D. 1740-1, I preached the evening 
lecture from John 16: 8. ' Reprove the world of sin, 
&c.' There were notes for about fifty -four (54) un- 
der conviction of sin, sensual hard heart, temptations 
Satan ; besides, several young children concerned for 
their souls. I hope God helped me. Lord, I thank 
thee. Revive thy work more and more."* 

Their author, Rev. Joseph Sewall, D. D., was born 
in Boston, August 15th, 1688. His father was the 
Hon. Samuel Sewall, descended from a long line of 
noble ancestors. He graduated at Harvard College 
in 1707; and continued his residence in Cambridge to 
study divinity. From his earliest days, Dr. Sewall 
was the subject of religious impressions. While but 
a youth, there was such an uncommon seriousness 
and strict regularity in his whole walk, as to attract 
the notice of all his acquaintance, and command the 
respect of his superiors in age. His baptism is thus 
noticed in his father's journal : 

* Dr. SewalPs Journal. 



INTRODUCTION. VU 

"Aug. 19, 1688. In the afternoon, Mr. Willard, 
after sermon, baptized my young son ; whom I 
named Joseph, in hopes of the accomplishment of the 
prophecy, Ezek. 37, and such like, — and not out of 
respect to any relation, or other person, except the 
first Joseph." 

In 1706, while yet an under-graduate, he united 
himself with the church at Cambridge ; and about the 
same time, he became a member of a society there 
formed for the first time, among the students of Col- 
lege, which met weekly for prayer, religious confer- 
ence, and the promotion of personal piety and virtue. 
At nineteen years of age he began a private journal, 
in which he constantly refers to God as the author of 
his life, the dispenser of good and evil, and the wise 
disposer of himself and all the events and circum- 
stances of his life. His mind was deeply imbued 
with religious sentiment ; though we cannot discover 
the precise time of his conversion. But his life, 
views, and religious character, afford abundant proof 
of such a change. 

Says a late writer, " His disposition was naturally 
mild and affectionate, and began to be sanctified in 
early childhood ; and evidences are preserved of his 
diligent and faithful use of the means of promoting 
growth in grace from early youth."* The testimony 
concerning him, transmitted to us from the most au- 
thentic sources, is, that, through life, "his chief glory 
was the love of God and zeal to do good." 

* Wisner's History of O. S. Church. 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

He was early devoted to the service of the sanctu- 
ary hy his venerable father ; and to it he freely de- 
voted himself. Divinity was his favorite study. Its 
themes were suited to his taste, because they led him 
to form a more intimate acquaintance with God, and 
tended to improve his piety. 

August 20th, 1710, he preached his first sermon, 
in the Old South Church, Boston, in the presence of 
his father and its Pastor, Rev. Ebenezer Pemberton, 
from Psalm 73: 28, " But it is good for me to draw 
near unto God." It was received with favor ; and 
from that time, the people seem to have had him in 
their minds as their minister. In April, 1712, their 
wishes were made known, in the choice of him by the 
church, as colleague Pastor with Mr. Pemberton. 
He was not settled immediately, nor did he return at 
once his answer. He first sought divine direction, 
and often asked of God the way of duty — appropri- 
ating special seasons for this purpose by himself, and 
once at least in union with his pious father. Having 
maturely considered the question of his settlement 
over this church, and sought divine guidance, he gave 
his consent to become colleague Pastor, and was pub- 
licly and solemnly separated to the work of the min- 
istry by fasting, prayer and the laying on of the hands 
of the presbytery, September 16, 1713. A descrip- 
tion of his ordination is given below, as an example 
of the custom of Congregationalism, in these early 
times. 

Dr. Sewall's ordination is thus described in his 
father's journal. " 1713, Sept. 16, was a very com- 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

fortahle day for the ordination. Begun a little after 
ten, M. Dr. Cotton Mather begun with prayer, ex- 
cellently ; concluded about the bell-ringing for eleven. 
My son preached from 1 Cor. 3: 7, " So then neither 
is he thatplanteth any thing," &c. Was a very great 
assembly. Were elders and messengers from nine 
churches, North, Old, Column's, Cambridge, Charles- 
town, Roxbury, Dorchester, Milton, Weymouth. 
Twelve ministers sat by the table at the pulpit. Mr. 
Pemberton made an august speech, showing the 
validity and authenticity of New English ordinations. 
Then, having made his way, went on ; asked, as 
customary, if any had to say aught against ordaining 
the person. Took the church's hand vote ; church 
sat in the gallery. These declared, the elders and 
messengers had desired the ministers of Boston to 
lay on hands. Dr. Increase Mather, Dr. Cotton 
Mather, Mr. Benjamin Wards worth, Mr. Ebenezer 
Pemberton, and Mr. Benjamin Colman,laid on hands. 
Then Mr. Pemberton prayed, ordained, and gave the 
charge, excellently. Then Dr, Increase Mather made 
a notable speech, gave the right hand of fellowship, 
and prayed. Mr. Pemberton directed the three and 
twentieth psalm to be sung. The person now ordain- 
ed dismissed the congregation with blessing." 

For more than half a century, he continued to fill 
the office and discharge the duties of a Pastor, in the 
Old South Church, Boston. " In humble, ardent and 
consistent piety, and devoted ness to the work of the 
ministry, he has seldom been equalled," says Rev. 
Dr. Wisner. He delighted in it ; and when he grew 



X INTRODUCTION. 

venerable for his age as well as his piety, he was re- 
garded as the father of the clergy. His pulpit dis- 
courses were chiefly devoted to the illustration of the 
distinguishing and important points of Christianity, 
relative both to faith and practice. They were the 
result of study, — the composition discovering not only 
judgment, but an intimate acquaintance with the holy 
Scriptures. His sermons, of which many were pub- 
lished and are preserved, were always instructive and 
practical. His preaching was solid and scriptural — 
practical and pathetic. He dwelt much on the great 
doctrines of religion, but never entered into any curi- 
ous speculations. His aim was, to impress upon 
people what they should believe, and how they must 
live, to be eternally happy. He had a clear appre- 
hension of the truths of religion. He did not enter- 
tain his hearers with the subtilties of the schools. He 
furnished to his people sound doctrine, derived from 
the treasury of the gospel, — administered reproof, and 
gave them instruction in righteousness. Dr. Sewall 
was distinguished among his brethren in the ministry 
for his wisdom : not the wisdom of this world, but for 
that which is from above, which is pure, peaceable, 
gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good 
fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. " 1 
know of no man," said Dr. Chauncy of him, "that 
discovered more prudent caution through his whole 
life." 

His style was simple and plain. His delivery was 
serious and solemn. "Sometimes he uttered himself 
with a voice so elevated with zeal, and modulated 



INTRODUCTION. XI 

under the influence of a deeply affected heart," as to 
arrest attention and deeply impress his auditory with 
a sense of the importance of the message he deliver- 
ed. He stood before his people and addressed them 
as a man of God. 

" He conveyed his sentiments to the minds of 
others," says a cotemporary,* " in easy, chaste lan- 
guage, and delivered himself with such commanding 
elocution, as almost necessarily engaged the attention 
of the assembly, and greatly tended to impress their 
minds and reach their hearts. The great secret of 
his peculiar art, was a deep sense of the vital import- 
ance of the truth he dispensed, which, setting his 
own heart on fire, animated his discourses with the 
same divine emotion he felt himself." His prayers 
were remarkably devout and fervent. He seemed to 
breathe the atmosphere of heaven. f 

He discharged the other duties of his sacred office 
with prudence and fidelity, diligence and impartiality, 
warning every man, and teaching every man in all 
wisdom, not only publicly, but from house to house, 
that he might present every man perfect in Christ 
Jesus. His very presence banished levity, and pro- 
duced solemnity of mind in all who were with him, 
" He was distinguished for affectionate attention to 
children and youth ; and eminently happy and useful 
in his pastoral visits." 

His labors were not in vain in the Lord. Between 
seven and eight hundred were received to his church 
during his ministry, principally the fruit of his labor. 

■ ' ■ • < i 

* Dr. Chauncy. f Wisner ; s History O, S. Church. 



Xll INTRODUCTION. 

"In principle, Dr. Sewall was a Calvinist ; and 
made the doctrines, usually called the doctrines of 
grace, the foundation and chief subject of his preach- 
ing. But he stood aloof from the doubtful and dan- 
gerous extremes to which some have carried their 
reasoning upon these doctrines."* 

Prayer was his delight ; as the following extracts 
from his journal evince : 1729. u 1 arose early in the 
morning, prayed once and again for my honored fa- 
ther — the college — our family — my kinswoman enter- 
ing upon the married state," etc. "0 Lord, hear and 
give an answer for thy Son's sake." Jan. 5, 1721. 
" Mr. Prince and I prayed together as is usual before 
the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.— Lord, hear our 
prayers !" 1722, Nov. 2. " Mr. Prince and I met 
together and prayed to God for direction and assist- 
ance relating to the fast to be kept by the church we 
stand related to." 1728, Jan. 13. " The church be- 
ing to meet relating to the affairs of the new building, 
Mr. Prince and I prayed together. — Lord, hear ; 
guide and govern our affairs in mercy, "f 

"A portion of Friday afternoon before every com- 
munion, and a season preceding the transaction of 
any important business in the church, was habitually 
spent in this manner by these faithful servants of 
Christ ; and, occasionally, they spent portions of a 

* Extract from Boston Evening Post, containing biograph- 
ical notice, 1769. 
t Wisner's History O. S. Church. 



INTRODUCTION. Xlll 

day mutually devoted to private humiliation, in united 
prayer." 

He accompanied his prayers with alms. It was a 
fixed principle with him to devote a tenth of his in- 
come to God, in pious and charitable uses. 

" Having inherited a considerable fortune," says 
Dr. Wisner, " he, for many years in succession, made 
a liberal donation to the College (Harvard), to be ap- 
propriated to pious indigent students ; when the Col- 
lege Library was consumed by fire, he made a present 
of many valuable books. He also gave liberally to the 
poor and other charitable objects." 

He was both a husband and a parent. October 29, 
1713, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Walley, who 
died before her husband. Only one son survived him, 
whose name was Samuel. His learned cotemporary, 
Dr. Chauncy, says of him, " The Father of spirits 
was pleased to furnish him with valuable intellectual 
powers. These, by the advantages of a good educa- 
tion, were highly cultivated and improved." It is 
further said of him, " that his solidity and exactness 
of judgment, even in cases of difficulty, and a dis- 
tinguishing prudence both in public and private life, 
made him justly esteemed as one of the wisest men 
of his day. " " His whole deportment was a proof of 
the truth of religion." He came as near to the apostolic 
requirement— that the Christian be a " living epistle, 
read and known of all men" — as any other man. He 
was of a quiet and peaceable disposition. " He 
could sacrifice every thing, but duty, for peace ;" and 
2 - 



XIV INTRODUCTION. 

esteemed nothing too dear, " but truth and holiness, 
for the purchase of it. 55 

"Dr. Sewall was a warm friend of literature ; * his 
excellence as a man, his professional ability and class- 
ical attainments were appreciated both in this country 
and Europe. On the death of President Leverett, 
1724, his eminent qualifications for the office recom- 
mended him to the elective powers of Harvard Col- 
lege, as a suitable candidate for the honors and duties 
of that distinguished position. He was accordingly 
chosen to succeed Mr. Leverett. When he received 
intelligence of his election — which, in his own words, 
" was surprising to him" — he thus notices it in his 
journal, " O Lord, what am I, a sinful worm, that 
there should be any thought of me for so considerable 
a trust!" " I besought the Lord to give all needed 
direction to the overseers, the flock I stand related to, 
and to myself. I also endeavored to examine myself; 
and if I know my own heart, my inclination is to 
abide with my dear people, and spend and be spent in 
the work of the ministry here, if this be the will of 
God and most to his glory. I think T can truly say 
that no prospect of greater worldly honor or gain 
would prevail with me to leave this people ; and that 
I do not account my life too dear to be spent in the 
service of Christ among them." 

This feeling of attachment to his people was 
mutual. His charge refused to part with him. Upon 
the action of the church in reference to his dismissal 
to a more conspicuous, responsible and eligible field of 
labor, having sought divine light and guidance, he 



INTRODUCTION. XV 

writes as follows : " I suppose that now God makes 
my way plain to give an answer in the negative (to 
the call of the College), which I accordingly did. 
Lord, provide a more suitable and sufficient person for 
that important trust." 

In 1728, Dr. Sewall was chosen a member of the 
corporation of Harvard College; and in 1731 he re- 
ceived the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, 
from the University of Glasgow.* 

Dr. Sewall had great veneration for our pious and 
excellent forefathers. He could not calmly hear them 
reproached or vilified. He thought their self-denying 
virtue and magnanimity, which led them to encounter 
such multiplied dangers in preserving the rights of 
conscience ; and their wisdom and piety, which ena- 
bled them to lay the foundations of our civil and 
religious prosperity — ought more than counterbalance 
any little mistake they might have committed. He 
was alarmed at any effort for the establishment of a 
hierarchy in the colonies. Nor was he less solicitous 
when any attempt was made to deprive the people of 
their civil rights and liberties. 

In fine, as a man, Dr. Chauncy remarks of him, — 
" It is hard to say what virtues were most eminent in 
him, he set such a shining example of all." This is 
the testimony of a cotemporary — an eye-witness — a 
fellow-laborer and townsman — who preached his 
funeral sermon, from Heb. 12: 6, "Be followers of 
them, who through faith and patience inherit the 

* MS. copy Rev. 3. Sewall. 



XVI INTRODUCTION. 

promises." After illustrating and enforcing the obvious 
sentiment of the apostle, he concludes by saying — 
the occasion of this discourse is the death of Dr. 
Sewall, " who was justly held in high reputation 
throughout the town and land, for those excellent 
qualities in which he shone with exemplary bright- 
ness, both as a Christian and a minister, from youth 
to protracted old age." 

The Lord long continued the usefulness of Dr. 
Sewall. Few ministers ever prosecuted with less 
interruption the labors of their profession ; and 
few were ever blessed with more vigorous and un- 
broken health. On the evening of the eightieth year 
of his age, he preached to a serious and affected audi- 
tory, and in this public manner, recounted with hum- 
ble and thankful gratitude, the sparing mercy of God. 
"He had for some time, on account of his infirmities, 
been carried into the pulpit (in an arm chair, by the 
sexton and another individual), from Sabbath to Sab- 
bath ; where, like the beloved disciple of old in his 
latter days, he sat, and with paternal and apostolic 
affection and fidelity, instructed and exhorted his 
children in the faith. The Sabbath following his 
80th year, he was prostrated by an attack of paralysis, 
which put an end to his public labors and confined 
him to his house. But he was still engaged in his Mas- 
ter's service. As opportunity occurred, he gave 
pious counsel and instruction to many who visited 
him ; which, it is believed, was of lasting benefit. 
By repeated attacks upon his naturally firm, but now 
breaking constitution, occasion was given for exem- 



INTRODUCTION. XVII 

plary exercise of faith and patience, and those other 
virtues which adorned his character as a Christian 
and a minister. Death was disarmed of his sting. 
He waited the approach of the king of terrors "with 
a peaceful and resigned frame of mind." As he was 
visited by great numbers, who were desirous of hear- 
ing the last words of the ascending prophet, so he 
was incessant in his counsels and prayers. With 
solemn and engaging pathos, he was wont to say — 
"Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." To those who 
were disposed to eulogize his labors, and commend 
him for his service, and point him to his works as a 
ground of confidence that he should be accepted with 
his Maker, he expressed his sense of his defects — ac- 
knowledged himself to be an unprofitable servant — 
bewailed the remains of indwelling sin — and assured 
them that he looked to Jesus Christ for pardon, and 
confided in his atoning sacrifice for acceptance with 
God. His great fear was, lest he might not wait 
with due Christian submission till his change should 
come. He had glimpses of unseen and eternal things, 
and spoke of them with great interest. He enjoyed 
sweet foretastes of heaven — such foretastes as if his 
soul was on the wing in the heavenly atmosphere. He 
undoubtedly stood, where Payson stood, in pros- 
pect of the land of Beulah, and heard the sweet 
music and felt the refreshing breezes of that heavenly 
clime, ere his foot pressed its soil, or his soul basked 
in its uncreated glory. He beheld the distant, but 
"wonderful, wonderful, wonderful glory," upon which 
the dying Evarts gazed with rapture. Like " a mote 
2* 



XV1U INTRODUCTION. 

floating in the sun-beams,' ' his soul swam in the 
dawning.light of heaven, as did the spirit of the dying 
Walton, when it mounted to meet its God. 

To the last, he seemed to have the full exercise of 
reason, and calmly and serenely sunk into that sleep 
from which the body shall know no waking, till the 
trumpet shall sound, and " all who are in their graves 
shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and come 
forth, they that have done good to the resurrection of 
life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection 
of damnation." Thus, ''the venerable and excellent 
Sewall entered into his rest," 26th of June, 1769, 
having attained nearly the eighty-first year of his life. 

Rufus K. Sewall. 

Boston, Dec, 1845. 



PREFACE. 



It hath pleased the sovereign and gracious 
God, in whose hand our times are, to ordain 
that we should live under some peculiar ad- 
vantages for our precious souls ; for to the 
ordinary means, we have superadded the mani- 
festation of the Spirit, in extraordinary works 
of grace. We have lately heard glad tidings 
from one place and another, that many are in- 
quiring the way to Zion, with their faces 
thitherward; and some are declaring what God 
hath done for their souls. Yea, God hath 
brought this work home to our own doors, and 
we hear many crying out, What must we do to 
be saved? And there are a number hopefully 
rejoicing in God's salvation. Of such a season 
as this it may well be said, I have heard thee 
in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation 
have I succored thee: behold, now is the ac 



XX PREFACE. 



cepted time; behold, now is the day of salva- 
tion. I hope God's people are reaping the 
fruit of their prayers, particularly on extraordi- 
nary days of fasting observed with an especial 
view to this great blessing, the plentiful effu- 
sion of the Holy Spirit. And shall we not 
prize and improve this rich gift ? Shall we not 
redeem this precious time in working out our 
own salvation? considering that God who alone 
can work in us to will and to do, says to us, 
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call 
upon him while he is near. To day, if ye will 
hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Cer- 
tainly we must be very criminal if we sleep or 
loiter away such a day of grace. They who 
are guilty of such a presumptuous sin, run a 
dreadful hazard of swift destruction, double 
damnation. O there's great reason to fear that 
another like season will never, never return 
upon you. O sleeper ! awake, and hearken, 
there's a noise, and a shaking among the dry 
bones. Some it may be of your own acquaint- 
ance, secure like you a little while ago, are 
now in deep concern, and can no longer 
relish those carnal pleasures in which you were 
companions. Now, destruction from God is a 
terror to them, and they are fleeing from the 
wrath to come. What a reproof doth God 



PREFACE. XXI 

give to your stupidity in the awakenings of 
others? Now then hear God's voice, Turn ye 
at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit 
unto you. Or, if ye are still deaf to God's 
calls, let the thunder of those amazing words 
make your ears to tingle; Because I have call- 
ed, and ye have refused, — I also will laugh at 
your calamity, and mock when your fear 
cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, 
and your destruction as a whirlwind. And 
tremble lest you should be suddenly destroy- 
ed, and that without remedy. But then, let 
awakened sinners be encouraged to press into 
the kingdom of heaven. Strive to enter in at 
the strait gate; for many will seek to enter 
in, and shall not be able. Improve the five 
talents now put into your hands, remembering 
what our Lord hath said, Unto whom much is 
given, of him shall much be required. O look 
diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of 
God! Continue seeking till Christ be revealed 
to you as the Lord your righteousness, and as 
the God of judgment : that you may glory in 
this, that you understand and know the Lord, 
who exerciseth loving-kindness, judgment and 
righteousness in the earth. And here, among 
you with whom the Spirit is striving at this 
day, we behold many of our young people. O 



XX11 PREFACE. 

our children! God is drawing nigh to you in a 
distinguishing manner, and will not you from 
this time cry unto him, My Father, thou art 
the guide of my youth? Shall any of you be 
profane as Esau, who for one morsel of meat 
sold his birth-right; and then, when he would 
have inherited the blessing, was rejected ? 
God forbid. May you all thirst for God, and 
seek him early, till that promise shall be more 
abundantly fulfilled in you — I will pour my 
Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing on thine 
offspring. And is it possible for parents and 
eider persons to behold these things, and not 
be moved? Can you see your children in pain, 
and travailing till Christ be formed in them, 
and you be unconcerned about the new birth? 
Are they taken, and can you bear to be left 
behind; left to perish in your sins, as far dis- 
tant as heaven and hell? Is the eleventh hour 
running, and you not effectually called? What 
a sad token is this! The Lord have mercy 
upon you! 

But there are considerable numbers of elder 
as well as younger persons, of whom I am 
persuaded better things, and things that ac- 
company salvation. And to you our ascended 
Saviour speaks, Hold fast till I come. Be not 
ashamed or afraid to confess Christ before 



PREFACE. XX111 

men, and to stand up for him. And here the 
providence of God gives me advantage to press 
upon you that exhortation — If ye are risen 
with Christ, seek those things which are 
above; set your affection on things above, 
not on things on the earth. For as it was 
with God's ancient people, a day of dark- 
ness and gloominess, and then God comforted 
his people with that gracious promise — I will 
pour out my Spirit upon all flesh*, so it 
pleaseth God to send down the Comforter from 
heaven into the hearts of his people, while it 
is a dark day with us upon temporal accounts. 
May the Spirit of judgment sanctify the frowns 
of God upon us to rebuke our pride, our covet- 
ousness, our luxury; and all those foolish and 
hurtful lusts, whereby we have been conform- 
ed to this world. And now we behold the 
curse devouring the earth, may we all unite in 
seeking the blessings of the heavenly paradise, 
where Satan and the curse can never enter. 
That we may even now say with the prophet,— 
Although the fig-tree shall not blossom — and 
the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks 
shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall 
be no herd in the stall: yet, I will rejoice in 
the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 

* Joel 2. 



XXIV PREFACE. 

But I forbear, and would only further say, 
that the remarkable work of grace begun and 
going on among us, gave encouragement to 
me to study and preach the following sermons. 
At first, I designed to publish only upon the 
head of Conviction of Sin, the discourses upon 
which subject it pleased God to own and bless 
much beyond my expectation. May the praise 
be given to that God who hath chosen the 
weak things of the world, that no flesh should 
glory in his presence. Since that, I have been 
prevailed upon to go on with the subject, and 
also to publish the other discourses; that we 
may see in some measure how the Spirit of 
God carrieth on his good work in the hearts of 
his people from legal conviction to saving con- 
version, and then sends forth judgment to 
victory, notwithstanding all opposition from the 
enemies of our salvation. Sensible of the de- 
fects which attend this performance, I humbly 
commend it to God for his blessing, beseeching 
him to teach us to profit by all the means of 
race which he gives us richly to enjoy. 

JOSEPH SEW ALL. 
Boston, April, 1741. 



LECTTJUE I. 



THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF SIN. 

JOHN 16: 8. 

And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, 
and of righteousness, and of judgment. 

In my last turn at this lecture, I considered 
our Lord Jesus Christ as exalted to be a 
Prince, and a Saviour, to give repentance to 
Israel and forgiveness of sins ; from Acts 5 : 
31. I now proceed to show you the great 
and comprehensive gift which our Lord re- 
ceived of the Father, when he ascended on 
high, the gift of the Holy Spirit, by whom 
he works faith and repentance in the hearts 
of his people, and so prepareth them for all 
the blessings of the gospel. And here our 
Lord assureth us that his disciples, and so 
3 



26 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

his churches would be great gainers by his 
withdraw from them on earth, to his exalted 
state in heaven ; for then, and not till then, 
should the Spirit be given in a more plentiful 
and extensive manner, in virtue of Christ's 
intercession at the Father's right hand; and 
that to make application of the redemption 
purchased by him, and to communicate all 
spiritual blessings to bis people, v. 7. Nev- 
ertheless, I tell you the truth ; it is expedient 
for you that I go away : for if I go not away, 
the Comforter will not come unto you ; but 
if I depart, I will send him unto you. Ac- 
cordingly we also read, that the Holy Ghost 
was not yet given, because that Jesus was 
not yet glorified. And we have the fulfil- 
ment of our Saviour's promise, Acts 2 : 4. 
They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, in 
miraculous gifts, particularly the gift of 
tongues, whereby the apostles were qualified 
to preach the gospel to other nations. And 
the Spirit of God was also poured out in an 
extraordinary manner as a spirit of grace and 
consolation, vs. 41, 42. Then they th^t 
gladly received the word were baptized ; and 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 27 

the same day there were added unto them 
about three thousand souls. And they con- 
tinued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and 
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in 
prayers. But I return to the text, in which 
we have the errand on which the Holy Ghost 
is sent, and the work he should perform in 
virtue of his mission, described. For though 
the three persons in the adorable trinity are 
one in the essential perfections of the divine 
nature, yet in the covenant of redemption, 
the Son voluntarily agreeth to fulfil the Fath- 
er's will by taking our nature in the fullness 
of time, and purchasing eternal salvation for 
his people ; and the Holy Spirit engageth 
that the saving benefits of this redemption 
shall be applied to all whom the God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ hath chosen 
in him before the foundation of the world, 
that they should be holy, and without blame 
before him in love. Agreeably it is here 
said, And when he is come, he will reprove, 
etc. When he is come, i. e., in the peculiar 
manifestations of his gracious presence ; for 
in his divine essence, the Spirit is immense 



28 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

and omnipresent. Whither shall I go from 
thy Spirit? Ps. 139 : 7. He will reprove the 
word of sin, — not only Jews but Gentiles. 
Possibly some may be stumbled that the 
Spirit is called the Comforter, and then it is 
said that he should reprove. But now, the 
word is of larger signification, it signifieth 
advocate, and is thus translated by Beza. 
We have the same word applied to Christ, 
1 John 2: 1. And accordingly, the Spirit is 
called another Comforter or Advocate, John 
14: 16. When our Lord ascended to ap- 
pear in the presence of God for his people, 
and transact their affairs in the court of 
heaven as their advocate with the Father, 
he sent his Holy Spirit to manage the affairs 
of the kingdom of grace here upon earth. 
And this work of convincing, men of sin well 
suits with this character of an advocate. As 
such the Spirit of God shows sinners that the 
charge laid against them in God's word is 
just, that the world may become guilty before 
God ; and that sinners, self-condemned, may 
seek justification by the righteousness of Jesus 
Christ, and so be prepared for the joy of 
God's salvation. And this agreeth also with 






CONVINCETH OF SIN. 29 

the word here translated, reprove, which 
signifieth to convince by evident arguments 
and solid reason. " I will convince them of 
their sins, and after reprove, admonish and 
check them for the same." And there is 
then a particular sin mentioned, v. 9, 
Of sin because they believe not in me. The 
heinous sin of the Jews in that day was, that 
they rejected Jesus Christ the Messiah prom- 
ised to their fathers, and sent to them as the 
only name whereby they could be saved. He 
came unto his own, and his own received him 
not. John 1:11. Saving a remnant accord- 
ing to the election of grace. Because of 
unbelief, they were broken off. Rom. 11 : 20. 
Accordingly when the Spirit of God was 
poured out, and Peter preached to them, 
Acts 2, he charged them home with the 
great sin of rejecting and crucifying the Lord 
of glory ; upon which many are pricked to 
the heart, and say in deep concern, Men and 
brethren, what shall we do ? v. 37. And 
doth not this sin of unbelief much prevail in 
this age ? Many seem to be insensible how 
great the evil of this sin is, though the word 
3* 



30 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

of God declareth, that, he who believeth not 
God, hath made him a liar, because he be- 
lieveth not the record that God gave of his 
Son. 1 John 5 : 10. It is to be feared that 
there are many under the gospel, who satisfy 
themselves with an outward attendance on 
religious duties, while they refuse to submit 
to Christ, and neglect his great salvation. 
But now, when the Spirit of God convinceth 
men of sin, he will show them the great evil 
of an heart of unbelief, and make them sen- 
sible of this, that he who believeth not the 
Son, shall not see life ; but the wrath of God 
abideth on him. 

Again, The Spirit reproveth of righteousness. 
He will convince men that Jesus who suffered 
an accursed death as if he had been the 
vilest malefactor, being crucified between two 
thieves, is indeed the just one ; and suffered 
the just for the unjust, that he is the Lord 
our righteousness. He will convince sinners 
that they cannot be justified but by the right- 
eousness of Christ received by faith. Now 
his going to the Father was a demonstration 
of this, that he was Jesus Christ the righteous, 
and had fulfilled all righteousness. — And of 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 31 

judgment. That all judgment is committed 
to the Son as Lord and Christ, and that he 
hath power, as Mediator and in virtue of his 
vobedience unto death, to cast down Satan 
from his usurped throne, and deliver poor 
sinners from his destroying power. Agreeably 
where our Saviour speaks of his being lifted 
up upon the cross, he says, Now is the 
judgment of this world; now shall the prince 
of this world be cast out. John 12: 31. 

Having thus explained the words of my 
text, I return to consider that part which I 
purpose more particularly to speak to ; the 
work of the Spirit in reproving men of sin. 

DOCTRINE. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to con- 
vince and reprove men of sin. 

The Spirit of God is the great dispenser 
of common and saving grace. There is a 
saving conviction of sin, which the Spirit of 
God works in the hearts of men when he 
enlightens them to discern spiritual things 
after a spiritual manner. When God gives 
them the light of the knowledge of his glory, 



32 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

they see that evil in sin as it is contrary to 
hinx, his nature and revealed will, which 
causes them to mourn for it with that godly 
sorrow which worketh repentance to salva- 
tion. Now mine eye seeth thee. Where- 
fore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and 
ashes. Job 42 : 5, 6. They look unto Jesus 
as pierced by their sins and mourn. Zech. 
12 : 10. Thus it is when the Spirit of grace 
converts men, and turns them from sin to 
God, by working a saving change in their 
hearts. And there is a legal conviction 
which the Spirit of God works in the hearts 
of men before conversion, whereby they are 
awakened out of their carnal security in sin, 
and brought under deep concern about deliv- 
erance from it as a destroying evil. Now it 
is a matter of the greatest importance to such 
as are under this work that it be carried on 
till it issue in a saving conversion to God. 
For the divine Spirit, who acts with sove- 
reign liberty, may be provoked to depart, 
and leave men to perish in their sins. Thus 
the Spirit of God strove with the sinners of 
the old world, whose departed spirits are 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 33 

called spirits in prison. 1 Pet. 3: 19. Their 
bodies were destroyed by the flood, and their 
souls are now shut up in hell, where they are 
kept in durance to the judgment of the great 
day. And indeed it is plain from Scripture 
that these lower workings of the Spirit, if I 
may so call them, have been in some prepar- 
atory to saving conversion, while others have 
stifled them. I shall give you an instance of 
each from the word of God, to awaken your 
hopes and fears, the great springs of human 
endeavors. The rough and hardy jailer came 
trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 
saying, Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? 
They answer, Believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and thou shalt be saved. And it 
seems the Spirit soon converted him, even 
that same night ; yea, gave him the joy of 
God's salvation. He rejoiced, believing in 
God, with all his house. Acts 16 : 29 — 34. O, 
that this may be the happy case of the many 
now under convictions ! Felix also trembled, 
as Paul reasoned of righteousness, temper- 
ance, and judgment to come. Acts 24 : 25. 
Behold the judge quaking for fear before his 
prisoner ! We may well suppose a greater 



34 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

than Paul was there, even the Judge of all 
the. earth, reproving this man for the crimes 
by the Spirit accompanying Paul's faithful 
ministry; but then he unhappily endeavored 
to put off his convictions by saying to Paul, 
Go thy way for this time; when I have a 
convenient season, I will call for thee. And 
for aught any thing that appears, the Spirit 
ceased striving with him. We read indeed that 
Felix sent for Paul again ; but not to hear 
the word of God, and inquire how he should 
improve his convictions ; but because he 
hoped that money should have been given 
him of Paul, that he might loose him, v. 26. 
A base thing indeed ! And after two years, to 
show the Jews a pleasure, he left Paul bound, 
v. 27. Upon the whole, it is highly prob- 
able, that the convenient season he pretended 
to wait for, never came. O it is a danger- 
ous thing to resist the Spirit of God striving 
with us, and as it were bid him depart from us ! 
I would now speak particularly to the doc- 
trine under these following heads ; 

I. The Holy Spirit is the author of the 
work of conviction. 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 35 

II. We may consider the means he useth to 
convince men of sin. 

III. Offer some description of this work of 
conviction. 

I. The Holy Spirit is the author of this 
work of conviction. 

That there is such a work going before 
and preparatory to saving conversion in God's 
chosen people, is evident from Scripture and 
experience. The Son of man is come to 
seek and save that which was lost ; and the 
prodigal son is represented as sensible of his 
perishing condition, before he resolveth to 
arise and go to his father. Luke 15: 17, 18. 
And our compassionate Redeemer inviteth 
them that labor and are heavy laden to come 
to him for rest. Matt. 11: 28. And we find 
from examples upon record in Scripture, as 
well as of later date down to our own times, 
that God takes this course with men, con- 
vincing them of sin and bringing them under 
a deep concern about their souls before he 
grants them the joy of his salvation. Now 



6 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

whatever instruments may be used in this 
work, we must acknowledge that the Spirit 
of God is the great efficient. He striveth 
with men. Gen. 6 : 3. And accordingly 
Stephen charged his hearers with the great 
sin of resisting the Holy Ghost. Acts 7 : 51. 
How sharp were his arrows in their hearts 
who heard Peter's sermon upon occasion of 
the wonderful effusion of the Holy Ghost in 
the day of Pentecost. Acts 2. They were 
pricked in their heart, v. 37, and in a little 
time seem to have been subdued to the obe- 
dience of faith. Agreeably, the Spirit of 
God is called a spirit of bondage. Rom. 8 : 15. 
Ye have not received the spirit of bondage 
again to fear. Indeed the Holy Spirit cannot 
be the author of sin whereby men are brought 
into bondage ; but then he makes sinners sensi- 
ble of this cruel bondage, and brings them to 
groan after deliverance. 

II. We proceed to consider the means 
which the Spirit of God useth to convince 
men of sin. 

1. The great instrument is the word of 
God. 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 37 

And accordingly the word is called the 
sword of the Spirit. Eph. 6 : 17. All Scrip- 
ture is given by inspiration of God, and is 
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- 
tion. 2 Tim. 3 : 16. But then the same 
Spirit that moved those holy men who wrote 
the Scriptures, must accompany them with 
his divine influence ; or there will be sad 
occasion to take up that lamentation, Who 
hath believed our report ? and to whom is the 
arm of the Lord revealed ? Isa. 53 : 1. 
When the Spirit is withdrawn, we find that 
the ministry of the word has little or no 
good effect upon the hearts of sinners. They 
are unmoved as the seats they sit upon ; 
Their ears are heavy and their eyes shut, Isa. 
6: 10. But when this Almighty Spirit is 
pleased to take his word into his own hand, 
and wound the sinner's conscience with it, 
he can no longer make light of the com- 
mands or threatenings ; they come home to 
him, and reach his very heart ; he is convinced 
of all, he is judged of all ; he is con- 
vinced of the sins whereby he hath trans- 
gressed God's holy law, and his heart con- 
4 



38 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

demneth him for them. Now the word of 
God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than 
any two edged sword, piercing even to the 
dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of 
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of 
the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 
4: 12. The law of God is called a fiery 
law. Deut. 33 : 2. And it may well be so 
called, not only as it was delivered out of 
the midst of the fire, from the burning moun- 
tain ; but also, as in it we have God's burning 
wrath, and fiery indignation against sinners 
revealed from heaven. Accordingly when 
the word of God is accompanied with the 
Spirit, and so comes with power upon the 
hearts of sinners, they feel pain and anguish, 
and are sensible of the deadly wounds sin 
hath given them, Is not my word like as a 
fire, saith the Lord ; and like a hammer that 
breaketh the rock in pieces ? Jer. 23 : 29. 
When the Spirit takes it into his hand, he 
breaks the sinner's carnal confidences. By 
the law is the knowledge of sin, and by it 
the Spirit reproves men for their sins, and 
convinceth them of their lost perishing condi- 
tion as transgressors of God's law. So sharp 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 39 

and cutting were God's reproofs of his an- 
cient people by his word in the mouth of his 
holy prophets, that he says, Therefore have I 
hewed them by the prophets : I have slain 
them by the words of my mouth. Hos. 6 : 5. 

2. The Holy Spirit convinceth and re- 
pro veth men of sin by God's providential 
dispensations, particularly by afflictive provi- 
dences. 

Sometimes the Holy Spirit makes use of 
the divine goodness to lead sinners to repen- 
tance. Rom. 2 : 4. And draweth them as 
with the cords of a man, and bands of love. 
Agreeably it is promised that the children of 
Israel should fear the Lord, and his goodness 
in the latter days. Hos. 3 : 5. But I am 
now considering the reproof given by afflic- 
tions. When sinners resist the Spirit speak- 
ing to them in and by his word, he sometimes 
takes the rod, and teacheth them as Gideon 
taught the men of Succoth with briers and 
thorns of the wilderness. And when they 
are thus torn and wounded, they are brought 
to consider what an evil thing sin is, and 
their need of a Saviour to deliver them from 



40 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

it. Thus God said to his ancient people by 
the prophet Jeremiah, Thine own wicked- 
ness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings 
shall reprove thee : know therefore and see, 
that it is an evil thing and bitter that thou 
hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my 
fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of 
hosts, chap. 2 : 9. Outward prosperity is 
apt to make men careless and secure ; to say 
with the church of the Laodiceans, I am rich 
and increased with goods, and have need of 
nothing. But now, when God brings men 
into straits and under difficulties, he some- 
times awakeneth them to a serious reflection 
upon their spiritual poverty, misery and 
wretchedness. I spake unto thee in thy pros- 
perity, but thou saidst, I will not hear ; this 
hath been thy manner from thy youth, that 
thou obeyedst not my voice. The wind shall 
eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go 
into captivity. Surely then shalt thou be 
ashamed and confounded for thy wickedness. 
Jer. 22: 21, 22. And thus it was with 
Ephraim when he bore the reproach of the 
sins of his youth under God's chastisements. 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 41 

Jer. 31 : 18. I have surely heard Ephraim 
bemoaning himself thus, thou hast chastised 
me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unac- 
customed to the yoke : turn thou me and I 
shall be turned ; for thou art the Lord my 
God. Though these words nextly refer to 
God's people, they may be fitly applied to 
particular persons. When God corrects men, 
and by his Spirit opens their ears to disci- 
pline, he shows them the necessity of their 
turning to God, and maketh them concerned 
to obtain converting grace. Turn thou me ! 
O, that this may be the happy case of many 
young people who are under convictions at 
this time ! Dear children ! Ask the Spirit 
of grace as a spirit of regeneration and adop- 
tion, that you may have your weary souls 
revived with that good word which followeth, 
v. 20, Is Ephraim a dear son ? is he a pleas- 
ant child ? for since I spake against him, I 
do earnestly remember him still ; therefore 
my bowels are troubled for him ; I will surely 
have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. But 
to return. When persons are secure, God 

cometh upon them, takes away their health, 
4* 



42 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

and brings them seriously to consider their 
latter end. God shaketh me over the grave, 
says the awakened sinner, and what will be- 
come of me, if I die in my sins, if I die out 
of Christ? Again, God comes and taketh 
away their earthly goods, and so convinceth 
them of the evil of trusting in uncertain 
riches, and awakens them to seek that good 
part which cannot be taken away. Again, 
God bereaveth men of their near and dear 
friends, and so quickens them to seek the 
favor and friendship of the eternal God, 
making them taste the bitterness of sin as it 
hath brought death into the world, and show- 
ing them the vanity of creatures. We read 
of those sinners, Ps. 78 : 34, 35. When he 
slew them, they sought him ; and they re- 
turned and inquired early after God. And 
was it not thus with this people in the time 
of the earthquake, when God threatened to 
send us down quick into the pit ? Did not 
multitudes tremble as the jailer, and inquire 
with great concern, What must we do to be 
saved ? How did people flock to God's 
house, and with what awe did they attend to 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 43 

his word while the foundations of the earth 
were shaken under us ? Yea, I humbly ap- 
prehend that there is reason to believe that 
the mighty voice uttered from the deep places 
of the earth, together with the still voice of 
God's word, was sanctified not only for the 
conviction, but also for the conversion of 
numbers of people, by the Spirit of God. 
So far as we can judge, there were a number, 
whom the terrors of that dreadful night 
awakened, whom the Spirit effectually called ; 
while it is to be feared that the impressions 
made on a far greater number wore off, and 
died away. I the rather mention this re- 
markable providence, because I apprehend 
that the time of it was a season in which God 
was pleased in a general and extraordinary 
manner to strive with this people. Since that 
we have been visited with a very mortal sick- 
ness, in which God hath cut off many of our 
children ; but I cannot learn that people have 
been awakened in any proportion to the ex- 
ceeding awfulness of the judgment. 

3. The Holy Spirit makes use of his works 
of grace to convince and awaken sinners. 



44 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

At sometimes the Spirit is awfully restrained, 
and. then conversions are rare and doubtful. 
At other seasons, God is pleased to pour out 
his Spirit upon his people, and then his 
works of grace are as the light which goeth 
forth. Many ask the way to Zion, with their 
faces thitherward, and not a few declare God's 
works of grace towards them with rejoicing. 
Convictions and conversions become more 
frequent and apparent, so far as our judgment 
reacheth. It is true, the saving conversion 
of others cannot be certainly known by us 
in the ordinary way, because we are not able 
to look directly into the heart, but must judge 
by outward appearances. And therefore we 
ought to exercise judgment with charity. 
But then there are sometimes fruits of the 
Spirit so evident, that they cannot be con- 
cealed or denied. There is the manifestation 
of the Spirit in his divine operations. 1 Cor. 
12 : 7. Persons that were before quiet in 
their sins and unconcerned, are so awakened 
that they cannot stifle their convictions, nor 
conceal their distress ; but are made to cry 
out, What shall we do ? how shall we escape 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 45 

the wrath to come ? And when a son or a 
daughter, or any other in a family are thus 
wrought upon, the house is alarmed with it, 
and thus their friends and acquaintances are 
happily impressed with concern about their 
own souls by the convictions of others, when 
the Spirit of God is pleased to use them as 
means for this end. And when such a work 
of grace spreads and increaseth through the 
good hand of God upon his people, it will be 
still more observable, and such as are consid- 
erate, will be ready to say, admiring, What 
hath God wrought ! Yea, all that behold it 
must now see, if they will open their eyes, 
that there is more in religion than a lifeless 
formality, and outward attendance on ordi- 
nances. When the work of God is thus re- 
vived among a people, the form of godliness 
will be animated with the inward life and 
power of it. God's own children will be 
quickened to arise and trim their lamps, that 
their light may shine before others. And 
such as were strangers to religion before, will 
now press into the kingdom of heaven. That 
description well agreeth to such a season., 



46 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, 
and the violent take it by force. Matt. 11: 12. 
The ministers of Christ will be encouraged 
and enlightened in their work, and such as 
are under convictions will be awakened to a 
more diligent attendance on the word and 
ordinances. Now such things as these, under 
the influence of the blessed Spirit, must have 
a happy tendency to rouse the sleepy secure 
sinner, and reprove him for his criminal indif- 
ference in the great concerns of his soul. 
And thus the Holy Spirit maketh use of the 
works of his grace to convince men of their sin 
and danger, while they behold a great altera- 
tion in others for the better ; but have not 
felt the like in themselves. That God who 
formeth the spirit of man within him, hath 
fashioned their hearts alike ; so that as in 
water face answereth to face, so the heart 
of man toman. Ps. 33 : 15. Pro v. 27 : 29. 
Whence ariseth a kind of sympathy and af- 
fection respecting each other; so that, what 
toucheth the one, affecteth the other. And 
this is in an especial manner observable in 
such as are near and dear to each other. 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 47 

When the child is in distress, the tender pa- 
rent is presently touched with the feeling of 
its sorrow. When the brother crieth out in 
anguish of soul, the kind sister cannot forbear 
to condole with him. Accordingly when it 
pleaseth the Holy Spirit to use these inclina- 
tions and affections in men as means, good 
impressions by the divine blessing, wonderful- 
ly propagate and multiply. This I find ob- 
served by a reverend and dear brother, in his 
narrative of the surprising work of God in 
the conversion of many hundred souls in 
Northampton, and the neighboring towns, 
etc. " There is no one thing that I know of 
that God has made such a means of promot- 
ing his work among us, as the news of others' 
conversion ; in the awakening sinners, and 
engaging them earnestly to seek the same 
blessing, and in the quickening of saints."* 
And as more lately, we have received good 
news of this kind from more distant places 
upon this continent, so I cannot but hope 
that God's sending one and another of his 
servants among us who had been personally 

* See Mr. Edwards's Narrative, p. 39. 



48 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

acquainted with these later wonderful works 
of grace, together with their very laborious 
and fervent preaching, and the ministry of 
others his servants, has been blessed to con- 
vince many of their sins, and awaken them 
to a serious concern about their souls. Yea, 
it is hopeful that there are a number converted, 
and brought home to Christ. Let us give 
the praise to the God of all grace ; and let 
pastors and parents, and other Christians in 
their several places use their best endeavors 
to forward this good work ; for though the 
work is the Lord's, and he alone can carry it 
on with victorious success, yet he delights 
to use his people as instruments, and expects 
that in the way of duty they ask his blessing 
in the more plentiful and extensive effusions 
of his Spirit. Thus when God had promised 
to give his people a new heart ; to put his 
Spirit within them, and cause them to walk 
in his statutes, he adds, I will yet for this be 
inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it 
for them. Ezek. 36 : 37. 

III. Some description of this work of the 
Spirit in conviction. 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 49 

I shall at present, only observe a few- 
things in general relating to it. 

This work of the Spirit is by divines com- 
monly called preparatory, as it goeth before 
saving conversion, and is wrought in order to 
it, respecting such as are afterwards effectual- 
ly called by the Spirit. By this work, says 
the excellent Mr. Norton, " We understand 
certain inherent qualifications, coming between 
the carnal rest of the soul in the state of sin, 
and conversion wrought in the ministry both 
of the law and gospel, by the common work 
of the Spirit concurring ; whereby the soul 
is put into a ministerial capacity of believing 
immediately, i. e., of immediate receiving the 
Lord Jesus Christ." This is the order in 
which God proceeds in the work of his grace 
on the souls of such as are grown to years of 
understanding : he maketh them sensible of 
their sin and misery and so brings them to 
seek Jesus who saveth his people from their 
sins, and to submit to him. Indeed, this 
work is neither the efficient nor meritorious 
cause of their saving conversion ; however, 
in this way God awakeneth his people to a 
5 



50 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

diligent attendance on the means of grace, 
till he shall work in them to will and to do, 
and make them his willing people, in the day 
of his power. And here we may observe 
that we must not presume to limit and restrain 
the infinite Spirit of God in this matter, who 
is called the free Spirit. Ps. ■ 51 : 12. No 
doubt there may be great variety as to de- 
grees of terror, as to the time persons are 
kept under it, and the like. And we must 
take heed that in this respect, we do not 
make our particular experiences general rules 
to judge of the state of men. God opened 
the heart of Lydia, and the jailer came trem- 
bling with the utmost consternation. And it 
hath been observed that some have been kept 
under a spirit of bondage for a considerable 
time, while other convinced sinners have been 
in a short time surprised with a visit from the 
Holy Spirit of God as a spirit of adoption, 
which supposeth the new birth. Again, as 
to outward expressions of deep concern in 
tears, wringing the hands, etc., persons un- 
der like inward deep concern of mind may 
considerably differ according to different con- 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 51 

stitutions and tempers. Again, Some may 
have been more heinous transgressors than 
others, and God may impress their minds 
with terrible fears, in some proportion. Again, 
It is no improbable supposition, that some 
have been converted in early childhood before 
they were capable of giving a distinct account 
of this work. Nor need it seem strange, if 
such as have been favored with a pious edu- 
cation and good impressions from their child- 
hood, should be more at a loss in this matter, 
than such as have been suddenly surprised, as 
Saul, while going on in open rebellion against 
God, and so knocked down under the fearful 
apprehensions of his wrath, and then raised 
with the wonderful manifestations of the free 
grace of God in Jesus Christ super-abounding 
where sin had abounded. Therefore, such as 
find upon strict and impartial examination, 
that they abhor themselves for sin as it is con- 
trary to the declarative glory and revealed 
will of God, and so turn from all sin unto 
God, as their chief good and highest end ; 
that they are willing to submit to Christ as 
their Prince and Saviour, trusting only to his 



52 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

righteousness for their justification before God, 
and taking his yoke upon them : I say, these 
persons ought not to distress themselves, be- 
cause they cannot give such a distinct account 
of the time and manner of this work of convic- 
tion, as some others can ; nor yet have expe- 
rienced so great terrors as others have felt 
before they were born of the Spirit. Such 
as have been made sensible of their lost and 
perishing condition by the fall, and then made 
willing to receive Jesus Christ in all his of- 
fices as their only Saviour, have the things 
found in them which go before, and accom- 
pany salvation, and should be encouraged to 
trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon 
their God. However, it is happy for such 
as are able to give a more clear and distinct 
account of the peculiar season and manner 
of this work of the Spirit ; for this has a ten- 
dency to bring their minds to a better settle- 
ment as to their assurance of the saving work 
of grace wrought after it. On the other 
hand, persons who have been under great 
terrors, and now receive the word with 
joy, must rejoice with holy fear, and look to 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 53 

it that they have that contrite and humble 
spirit with which the high and lofty One 
dwells, to revive the spirit of the humble, and 
the heart of the contrite one ; for there is a 
joy which is no true sign of saving conver- 
sion. The stony-ground hearers we have 
described by our Lord, who searcheth the 
heart. Matt. 13 : 20. He that received the 
seed into stony places, the same is he that 
heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth 
it. The stony heart was not taken away, 
nor was there any root of saving grace ; and 
accordingly in time of trial they withered. 
And then there is no saving virtue in legal 
terrors to convert men ; this change is wrought 
according to the exceeding greatness of God's 
power. However, neither do I speak these 
things to damp their joy who upon their con- 
version may have received the Spirit of God 
to witness with their spirits that they are the 
children of God. And I make no doubt but 
this is the happy case of many, when the 
Spirit is poured out plentifully. When there 
were three thousand souls added, we read 

that they gladly received the word. Acts 
5 # 



54 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

2: 41. But then, I am concerned that we may 
all obey that word, and obtain the benefit of 
it. Let every man prove his own work, 
and then shall he have rejoicing in himself 
alone, and not in another. Gal. 6 : 4. 

I would only further say at present, that 
when the Spirit of God convinceth men of 
sin, he shows them the guilt and destroying 
power of their sins ; maketh them sensible of 
their misery and danger as they lie exposed 
to the curses of the law, and brings them to 
seek deliverance with earnestness and deep 
concern. And thus the Spirit prepareth them 
to hearken to the gracious invitations and 
offers of the gospel, while he also shows 
them their utter inability to come up to the 
terms of the gospel in their own strength, 
and their great unworthiness that God should 
work in them to will and to do ; and there- 
fore, that if they are saved, it must be from 
the free sovereign grace of God, who has 
mercy on whom he will have mercy. And 
as to such whom the Spirit of God converts, 
he changeth their hearts, renews them in the 
spirit of their minds respecting every power 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 55 

of their soul ; and so persuadeth and enableth 
them to trust in Jesus Christ as the only name 
given among men, whereby we must be 
saved ; taking their encouragement from the 
grace of God, the merits of Christ, and free 
offers of the gospel. When Christ is thus 
formed in the heart, the poor creature so 
highly favored, is ready to cry out, Lord, this 
salvation is too great and good for me ; but 
thou art worthy to be believed and obeyed, 
and nothing is too great or wonderful for thee. 
Be it unto me according to thy word. 

APPLICATION. 

Use I. Let us pay divine honor to the 
Holy Spirit, and give him the glory of his 
works of grace. 

His presence with God's people is better 
to them, even than the bodily presence of 
Christ upon earth ; for our Saviour assured 
his disciples that it was expedient for them 
that he should go away, that the Comforter 
might come unto them. And he is the dis- 
penser of all grace. The love of God is 
shed abroad in the heart, and the grace of 



56 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

our Lord Jesus Christ brought home to the 
soul, by the communion of the Holy Ghost. 
We are blessed in his name ; common and 
saving grace is communicated by him to 
perishing sinners ; and therefore we ought to 
ascribe blessing and glory and honor to him, 
who is called God. Acts 5 : 3, 4. There are 
three that bear record in heaven, the Father, 
the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and these 
three are one. 1 John 5 : 7. Let us then fall 
down and worship that God w T ho is the Father 
and the Son and the Holy Ghost. And let us 
be sensible that the application of the redemp- 
tion purchased by Christ is from the Holy 
Spirit. When we behold many convinced of 
sin, and some in a judgment of charity con- 
verted, let us look above men and means, 
and say, Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, 
but unto thy name be the glory. We have 
in a public and solemn manner sought the 
Lord for this great gift, and now we should 
bless God for it, and beseech him to give his 
Spirit more abundantly. 

II. Is it the Spirit of God who reproveth 
men of sin ? Learn the dangerous state of 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 57 

such as are secure in sin, or stifle their con- 
victions. 

It is a dreadful thing for men to be suffered 
to have an accursed quiet and false peace in 
the ways of sin. Luke 11: 21. When a 
strong man armed keepeth his palace, his 
goods are in peace. Alas ! Satan ruleth in 
the hearts of these miserable creatures without 
control, and they are led captive by him at 
his will. They hug their chains, and are un- 
concerned about deliverance, while they are 
permitted to enjoy the pleasures of sin with- 
out remorse of conscience. They sport 
themselves with their own deceivings. 2 Pet. 
2: 13. And God threatens to bring sudden 
and irrecoverable ruin upon them. When 
they shall say, peace and safety ; then sud- 
den destruction cometh upon them, as travail 
upon a woman with child, and they shall not 
escape. 1 Thess. 5 : 3. And it is a very 
dangerous sign when persons are continued 
under the means of grace, and yet are sleep- 
ing in carnal security ; they sleep as on the 
top of a mast, and are in danger every mo- 
ment of falling, and of being drowned in 



58 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

eternal perdition. O, hear God's voice then 
without delay, lest you lift up your eyes in 
torments, and in utter despair behold a vast 
gulf fixed between you and the seat of the 
blessed ! Awake, thou that sleepest, and 
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give 
thee life. Eph. 5 : 14. O, cry to God for his 
Spirit to convince and convert you ! For 
surely, it is better to endure some present 
pain and distress, while yet there is hope, 
than to be shut out in outer darkness, where 
is weeping and gnashing of teeth for ever. O, 
let me not seem to you, while thus warning 
you to flee from the wrath to come, as Lot to 
his sons-in-law, as one that mocketh ! Lot 
went out, and spake unto his sons-in-law, 
which married his daughters, and said, Up, 
get ye out of this place ; for the Lord will 
destroy this city ; but he seemed as one that 
mocked unto his sons-in-law. Gen. 19: 14. 
Thus we may suppose they slept securely 
that night ; but what came in the morning ? 
The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon 
Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord 
out of heaven, v. 24. And when the fire 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 59 

from heaven had destroyed their bodies, 
their miserable souls were cast into hell. 
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities 
about them, in like manner giving them- 
selves over to fornication, and going after 
strange flesh, are set forth for an example, 
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 
v. 7. O, escape for your lives then this 
night, lest by to-morrow you be consumed ! 
Or have you been favored with convictions, 
but have stifled and lost them ? Can you 
remember when the Spirit of God moved on 
your hearts, exciting you to pray, and attend 
to the preaching of the word ; to put away 
sin, and to reform your lives ? But now 
these good motions cease, and the Spirit is 
departed from you. Is this your unhappy 
state ? Know it, your case is very hazardous, 
yet not desperate. Fear then, lest God 
should punish you with the men that are set- 
tled on their lees. Justify God in this mat- 
ter, and confess that you have greatly sinned 
by vexing his good Spirit. At the same time, 
take heed and beware of going on desper- 
ately in your sins, as if there were no hope. 



60 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Even such as you, have found mercy. Seek 
to God then the more earnestly to revive his 
work in your souls. Be the more sensible 
from this of the deep corruption of your 
hearts, and of the enmity of your carnal 
minds against God; and deprecate that 
dreadful judgment of judicial blindness and 
hardness of heart. Bemoan yourselves, and 
say, O that it was with me, as in months 
past ! And let that be your earnest and con- 
tinued prayer,Cast me not away from thy pres- 
ence ; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. 

III. Let such as are under the convictions 
of the Spirit, bless God for them ; and in the 
use of all proper means seek the Lord that 
these may end in a saving conversion. 

Hath God sent his Spirit to convince you 
of sin, and show to you your need of a Sa- 
viour ? Be encouraged to ask the Holy 
Spirit to reveal Christ unto you, as the Lord 
your righteousness ; that you may embrace 
him as he is freely offered in the gospel. 
Are you brought to attend God's word with 
fear and concern? O, seek the inward and 
effectual call of the Spirit ! that you may 



CONVINCETH OF SIN, 



61 



now say, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. 
Hear the words of our Saviour, and let them 
strengthen the hands which hang down, and 
confirm the feeble knees, when you may be 
ready to faint and wax weary in your minds. 
Luke 11 : 9. Ask, and it shall be given you ; 
seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be 
opened unto you. V. 11, If a son shall ask 
bread of any of you that is a father, will he 
give him a stone ? or if he ask a fish, will he 
for a fish give him a serpent? V. 13, If ye 
then being evil, know how to give good gifts 
to your children, how much more shall your 
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them 
that ask him ? Now your conversion is hope- 
ful. You are not far from the kingdom of 
God. O, strive to enter then, looking to 
God to work in you both to will and to do 
of his good pleasure ! And take heed you 
do not quench the Spirit by returning to your 
sins, or to your sinful companions. Now fol- 
low hard after God by a constant and dili- 
gent attendance to the means of grace. Be 
frequent and fervent in secret prayer, confes- 
sing your sins, and crying for mercy in the 
6 



62 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

name of Jesus Christ. Get alone, think upon 
your ways, and meditate upon divine things. 
Study the word of God, which is perfect, 
converting the soul ; and take heed how you 
hear it. For faith cometh by hearing, and 
hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10 : 17. 
Wait at the posts of wisdom's doors, and 
labor to be found in those ways in which 
Christ walks. And yet take heed and be- 
ware of depending on your religious duties 
and outward reformations. Say with your- 
self, An interest in Christ I must have ; and 
accordingly while you use the means, seek 
rest to your souls in him. Be willing to 
bear the Spirit's reproofs, though sharp and 
pungent ; but if terrors be overbearing, be- 
seech the Lord that he would not lay more 
upon you than he shall enable you to bear. 
Indeed there may be some few ready to com- 
plain with Hem an, While I suffer thy terrors, 
I am distracted. But blessed be God ! this 
is not the ordinary case. And where the 
regular use of reason has been disturbed, I 
am satisfied it was not so much from any di- 
rect impressions of the good Spirit of God, 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 63 

as from natural disorders of body, or moral 
distempers of mind. Our gracious God 
would not have, no, not the incestuous Corin- 
thians, swallowed up with over-much sorrow. 
2 Co. 2 : 7. However, pray God to show 
you the plague of your own heart, and be 
sensible that the wound sin hath given you 
is incurable, unless it will please the great 
God our Saviour to be the physician. Ac- 
cordingly, despairing in yourself, look to 
Jesus, and say, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst 
make me whole. Thy blood cleanseth from 
all sin, and thy divine Spirit is able to apply 
it. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against 
thee. If Satan tempt you to return to your 
carnal security, or to despair, as if your sins 
were so great that God would not pardon 
them, resist him, and cry to God to bruise 
him under your feet. And labor to be fur- 
nished with pertinent texts of Scripture where- 
by you may answer and confute such evil 
suggestions. Thus if you are tempted by 
Satan or your own lusts, to return to your 
evil courses, answer, it is written, If any 
man draw back, my soul shall have no pleas- 



64 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

ure in him. Heb. 10 : 38. Or if tempted to 
say, mine iniquity is greater than that it may 
be forgiven ; answer, it is written, Come 
now and let us reason together, saith the 
Lord ; though your sins be as scarlet, they 
shall be as white as snow ; though they be 
red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isa. 
1 : 18. And instead of yielding to the 
temptation, plead with God, in the words of 
David, For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon 
mine iniquity ; for it is great. Ps. 25 : 12. 
And do not perplex yourself as if you had 
committed the sin against the Holy Ghost, 
which is unto death. The good impressions 
you now receive from the Spirit striving with 
you, make it evident that this is not your 
case. Again, if you seem to grow worse and 
worse after considerable labor and striving, be 
not discouraged as if it was in vain for you 
to strive any longer. The Spirit of God 
rather discovereth to you more and more 
the deep corruption of your hearts, which is 
an hopeful symptom, and should be improved 
to convince you more thoroughly of your 
need of the infinite power and grace of God 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 65 

to save you. And then, if you are continued 
for a considerable time under this work, and 
cannot find rest, do not grow impatient, and 
say, it is in vain to wait for the Lord any 
longer. But rather resolve that by his help 
you will hope and wait for the salvation of 
God. I pray consider, how long God hath 
waited upon you, it may be ten, twenty or 
thirty years; and will you think it hard to 
wait upon God a few months or years ? O, 
be not so unreasonable and undutiful ! It is 
of the Lord's mercies you are not consumed, 
and it must be of his free, undeserved mercy, 
if you are saved. Certainly then you are 
well treated, and have a rich reward of all 
your pains, if God shall come at the last and 
save you, even when this frail short life is 
just expiring. Or, if others awakened after 
you, obtain grace and comfort before you, let 
not your eye be evil, because God is good. 
Is it not lawful for him to do what he will 
with his own ? O, take heed then and be- 
ware of entertaining hard thoughts of God ! 
Lie down at the foot of sovereign grace, and 
wait God's time without murmuring and com- 
6* 



66 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

plaint. Again, are blasphemous thoughts 
injected ? Cast them out with abhorrence, 
and be not dismayed. The evil one who 
casts these fiery darts, must bear the blame 
and punishment. In a word, do not perplex 
yourselves with anxious inquiries about your 
election. This is absurd and preposterous at 
this time. Hear that word then, The secret 
things belong unto the Lord our God ; but 
those things which are revealed belong unto 
us, and to our children for ever, that we may 
do all the words of this law. Deut. 29 : 29. 
Your duty is plainly revealed. Give dili- 
gence to make your calling and election sure ; 
for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 
2 Pet. 1 : 10. Make sure of the effectual 
call of the Spirit, and then you may safely 
conclude that God has loved you with an ev- 
erlasting love, and so drawn you to himself. 
Let this great work then be regarded as the 
one thing needful: however, let not your 
particular calling be neglected in the season 
for it. Wherein you are called, abide with 
God, attending this business also in obedience 
to him. The work of your salvation will be 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 67 

most likely to prosper, when every duty is 
attended in its place and time. Upon the 
whole, do not conceal the distress of your 
souls ; but be willing to ask and receive ad- 
vice in a matter of such great importance. 
Seek the help of your pastors, and other ex- 
perienced Christians. But then, in the dili- 
gent use of means, let your eye and cry be 
to the God of all grace from whom your help 
must come. And encourage yourselves in 
this, that you are in the hands of a God infi- 
nitely good and gracious, who has sent the 
Lord Jesus to bind up the broken-hearted. 
Behold the Son of God stands at the door 
and knocks, saying, If any man hear my 
voice, and open the door, I will come in to 
him, and sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 
3 : 20. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and 
be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the 
King of glory shall come in. " O, glorious 
Lord, do thou speak to them by the inward 
call of thy Spirit, and they will hear and 
obey thy voice ! Do thou who hast the key 
of David, who openeth, and no man shutteth ; 
open their hearts, and make them thy willing 



68 THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF SIN. 

people in the day of thy power. Thy words 
are works. Speak the word, and their souls 
shall live. Say to one and another that trem- 
ble at thy word, Son, daughter, be of good 
comfort, your sins are forgiven, go in peace." 
And may you now hear that word of your 
compassionate Redeemer, Come unto me all 
ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, 
and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in 
heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 
Matt. 11: 28, 29. And dutifully answer, 
We come unto thee ; for thou art the Lord 
our God. 



LECTURE II. 



THE HOLY SPIRIT CONYINCETH OF SIN. 

JOHN 16: 8. 

And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, 
and of righteousness, and of judgment. 

DOCTRINE. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to con- 
vince and reprove men of sin. 

I. The Holy Spirit is the author of this 
work of conviction. 

II. We considered the means which the 
Spirit of God useth to convince men of sin. 

I proceed, 

III. To give some brief description of the 
work of the Spirit in convincing and reproving 
men of sin. Wherein I shall also consider 
some of the fruits of these convictions. 

Before I speak particularly to this head, I 
would observe to you, that the infinite Spirit 



70 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

of God has the nearest access to our spirits, 
which are his creatures, and can make im- 
pressions upon them as he pleaseth ; and he 
convinceth sinners by an inward application 
to the powers of the soul, the understanding, 
conscience, &c, before a saving change is 
wrought in the heart. 

1. In this work of conviction, the Spirit of 
God brings home the sense of sin and guilt 
to the heart and conscience of the sinner. 
And then his Spirit is wounded, and his heart 
moved with fear. Though men will gener- 
ally acknowledge that they are sinners, yet, 
alas, there are many unconverted persons, 
who flatter themselves in their evil ways as 
if sin had not dominion over them, and they 
were not walking in the path of the destroyer. 
Many are in a lamentable manner ignorant 
of the strictness and purity of God's law, and 
at the same time very much strangers to their 
own deceitful hearts. It seems that Paul, 
while a Pharisee, was not sensible that the 
first motions of evil concupiscence were sin. 
Rom. 7 : 7. And Ephraim says, " In all 
my labors they shall find none iniquity in me 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 71 

that is sin ; " though the balances of deceit 
were in his hand, and he loved to oppress. 
Hosea 12 : 7, 8. How many false pleas 
and vain excuses do men frame to blind and 
bribe their consciences, whereby they are 
laid asleep in carnal security. There is a 
way which seemeth right unto a man ; but 
the end thereof are the ways of death. Prov. 
14: 12. So deceitful and desperately wick- 
ed are the hearts of men. But when the 
Spirit of God comes with the word to show 
men their iniquity, he detects and lays open 
this deceit, and maketh the sinner know that 
he has offended the holy, heart-searching 
God, and stands condemned by his righteous 
law. Conscience is awakened to do its office, 
and, as it were, says to the sinner, Thou art 
the man ! And now he beholdeth his sin in 
its heinous nature and aggravations ; and, 
self-judged, maketh that confession before the 
Lord, Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, 
and done this evil in thy sight. Ps. 51: 4. 
When the Spirit of God reproveth men of 
sin, they dare not deny the fact, nor excuse 
the fault or crime cleaving to it ; but rather 



72 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

deprecate God's entering into judgment with 
them, saying, with the psalmist, If thou, Lord, 
shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall 
stand? Ps. 130: 3. Surely none can stand 
in the judgment, says the convinced sinner ; 
and as for me, I am now sensible that I must 
fall under the condemning sentence of the 
law, vile wretch that I am. And though this 
may be at first from conviction of some par- 
ticular sin, as here of the sin of unbelief, yet 
the Spirit of God leads men up to the consid- 
eration of their guiltiness and vileness as 
children of apostate Adam ; showeth them 
that they sinned in him and fell with him, 
and that as they proceed from him, they 
bring a corrupt nature into the world with 
them, empty of grace and bent unto sin. 
And now they are ready to subscribe that 
confession, Behold I was shapen in iniquity, 
and in sin did my mother conceive me. Ps. 
51: 5. Now God's word is set home upon 
their hearts, in which it is declared, that all 
are under sin ; there is none righteous, no, 
not one. Their mouths are stopped, and 
they become guilty before God. Rom. 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 73 

3:19. And they are ready to acknowledge 
that they were exposed to the wrath and 
curse of God, as a generation of vipers, even 
from their early childhood. And whatever 
have been their outward attendance on reli- 
gious duties, and blameless behaviour before 
men, they now find that they are children of 
wrath, even as others. This was the case 
with Saul, afterwards called Paul, though he 
had lived, as a strict Pharisee, a blameless 
life, according to his understanding of the 
law. I was alive without the law once ; but 
when the commandment came, sin revived 
and I died. Rom. 7: 9. While a Pharisee, 
though he had the law in the letter of it, yet 
be was without the law, being dreadfully 
ignorant of the spiritual meaning and use of 
it, as also of its purity and extensive obliga- 
tion ; and so he thought himself alive, in a 
good condition, and that he was in a fair way 
to obtain life by the deeds of the law. But 
when the commandment was set home upon 
his conscience, and the Spirit of God con- 
vinced him of his sin, by the law, his vain 
hopes died away, and he found himself in a 

7 



74 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

state of spiritual death, — dead in trespasses 
and .sins. And this is the case of the closest 
hypocrites and most specious formalists, when 
the Spirit of God is pleased to convince and 
reprove them of sin. When he thus, by his 
word or providence, showeth them their 
work, and their transgressions, that they have 
exceeded, they can no longer cover their 
sins, nor flatter themselves in their evil ways. 
Their own hearts condemn them, and they 
see themselves exposed to the judgment of 
that God who is greater than their hearts, 
and knoweth all things. And accordingly 
they are ready to fall down before God and 
confess with them, We are all as an unclean 
thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy 
rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our 
iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 
Is. 64: 6. Whence followeth deep concern, 
and sometimes almost overwhelming anguish 
and distress of soul. Which leads me to say, 
2. In this work the spirit of God maketh 
men sensible of the deadly evil of sin, and of 
their miserable state, while under the guilt 
and dominion of it. As the Spirit of God 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 75 

shows sinners the guilt and power of their 
sins, so he declareth to them the dreadful 
punishment which they lie exposed to as 
transgressors of the law ; that the wages of 
sin is death, not only temporal but eternal 
death. Is not destruction to the wicked ? 
and a strange punishment to the workers of 
iniquity ? Job 31:3. Yes, surely, and when 
the Spirit of God pleaseth, he can make the 
stoutest sinner sensible of it. Such is the 
folly and madness bound up in the hearts of 
men, that they are ready to make a mock of 
sin. While asleep in carnal security, they 
dream of enjoying the pleasures of sin, with- 
out enduring the punishment. He flattereth 
himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be 
found to be hateful. Ps. 36 : 2. Thus it 
is said of the young man, void of understand- 
ing, when enticed by the adulteress, He 
goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth 
to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction 
of the flocks, till a dart strike through his 
liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare, and 
knoweth not that it is for his life. Pro v. 7: 
22, 23. Men do not know, they will not 



76 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

consider the end of sin, though faithfully- 
warned in God's word ; and so they often go 
on in the ways which lead to death, till they 
are suddenly destroyed. The simple pass 
on, and are punished. Prov. 22: 3. And 
the old serpent, the devil, is still ready to 
tempt us as he did Eve, Ye shall not surely 
die. This subtle tempter seeks to allure 
men, by setting before them the carnal pleas- 
ures and profits of sin ; and at the same time 
laboreth to divert their minds from all serious 
consideration of the punishment. Alas, how 
successfully ! It is supposed that there might 
be found among God's people, man or woman 
that would say, I shall have peace, though I 
walk in the imagination of my heart, to add 
drunkenness to thirst. But the Lord threat- 
ens, That he will not spare him, but the 
anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall 
smoke against that man, and all the curses 
written in this book shall lie upon him. Deut. 
29: 18, 20. And accordingly when the 
Spirit of God shoots the arrows of conviction 
into the sinner's heart, he showeth him the 
daring presumption of this, and maketh him 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 77 

know that sin is an evil thing, and will be 
bitterness in the end. The Spirit makes 
men feel the plague of their own hearts, and 
the deadly wounds sin hath given them. 
Now they find that description agreeth to 
them: The whole head is sick and the whole 
heart is faint ; from the sole of the foot even 
unto the head, there is no soundness in it ; 
but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores. 
Is. 1: 5, 6. 

When the word of God is thus impressed 
upon the sinner's heart, it is like fire, respect- 
ing the light it gives to discern the evil of 
sin, and the pain and misery inflicted on the 
soul consequent upon this. Thus the Spirit 
of God shows men the great evil of an heart 
of unbelief, whereby they depart from the 
living God, and reject the only Saviour, by 
such a word as that, He that believeth not, 
shall be damned. Mark 16: 16. The great 
evil of a hard and impenitent heart, whereby 
men treasure up wrath against the day of 
wrath, by such a word as that, Except ye 
repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 
13 : 3. And their consciences are inflamed 
7* 



78 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

with painful apprehensions of the burning 
wrath of God due to them for their sins. 
Now that word cometh home to them, Thou 
hast destroyed thyself. Hos. 13 : 9. And 
sensible of their miserable state, they cry out, 
with the prodigal, I perish. Luke 15: 17. 
They no longer dream that the pleasures of 
sin can be separated from the punishment ; 
but now find they have to do with an holy, 
heart-searching, jealous God, that will by no 
means clear the guilty. God speaks to them 
by his word, together with the inward impres- 
sions of his Spirit, as, These things hast thou 
done, and I kept silence ; thou thoughtest 
that I was altogether such a one as thyself; 
but I will reprove thee, and set them in order 
before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye 
that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, 
and there be none to deliver. Ps.50: 21, 
22. And while the Spirit of God is thus a 
spirit of bondage, the sinner trembleth for 
fear of God, and is afraid of his judgments. 
Thus we read, The sinners in Zion are afraid, 
fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites ; who 
among us shall dwell with the devouring fire ? 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 79 

Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting 
burnings ? Is. 33 : 14. They now know the 
terrors of the Lord, and find that he is of 
purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot 
look on iniquity without abhorrence. They 
are in anguish while their sins lie heavy upon 
them, and the iron yoke galls their con- 
sciences ; and are ready to complain that 
their iniquities are gone over their heads, as 
a heavy burden, too heavy for them to bear. 
Yea, now the sinner is sometimes almost 
dismayed with fear, lest God should take him 
away with a stroke, and cast him into hell. 

3. When the Spirit of God reproveth of 
sin, he brings the sinner to humble himself 
before God. When the arrows of conviction 
are sharp in the hearts of the king's enemies, 
the people fall down under him. Ps. 45 : 5. 
Thus it is when our Lord rides forth on the 
word of truth, accompanied with the Holy 
Spirit, the sinner lieth prostrate at his feet, 
sensible that it is a dreadful thing to fall into 
the hands of the living God, as an avenger 
of sin. Now there is a work of humiliation 
wrought, in which the haughtiness of the 



80 



THE HOLY SPIRIT 



sinner's spirit is quelled, and he is cast down, 
convinced that he cannot resist God and 
prosper. He is made sensible that God can 
break him in pieces, and that none is able to 
deliver out of his hand. Such a word as that 
is set home upon his conscience, See now 
that I, even I am he, and there is no god 
with me ; I kill, and I make alive ; I wound, 
and I heal; neither is there any that can 
deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my 
hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. If 
I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand 
take hold on judgment, I will render ven- 
geance to mine enemies, and will reward 
them that hate me. And when the convinced 
sinner finds himself thus in the hands of that 
God, who is able to save or destroy for ever, 
he lieth down in the dust before him. Now 
the lofty looks of men are humbled, and God 
is exalted. Thus when God denounced 
dreadful threatenings against Ahab, by the 
prophet Elijah, it is said, And it came to 
pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he 
rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his 
flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 81 

went softly. 1 Kings 21: 27. Yea, such 
was his humiliation, though here was no true 
saving repentance, that God was pleased to 
take a gracious notice of it, and mitigate the 
judgment threatened. Seest thou how Ahab 
humbleth himself before me ? Because he 
humbleth himself before me, I will not bring 
the evil in his days. v. 29. In like manner, the 
cruel, hardy jailer fell down before Paul and 
Silas, as the servants of the most high God, 
humbly to intreat them to show him the way 
of salvation. Acts 16: 29, 30. Had he 
done this to worship them, they would have 
rejected it with abhorrence. He did it, as a 
judicious expositor supposeth, " being moved 
by the fear of God's judgments thus to humble 
himself." * When men are thus convinced, 
their haughty and stubborn spirits are brought 
down, they are forced to quit their carnal 
confidences as refuges of lies, and are brought 
before God, as the servants of Benhadad 
came in his name, before the king of Israel, 
with ropes upon their heads, and with that 
submissive request, I pray thee let me live* 

* Calvin. 



82 



THE HOLY SPIRIT 



To allude to those words, 1 Kings 20: 31, 
32.. For they now find that they lie at 
God's mercy, and have a dread of his fiery 
indignation, lest it should consume them. 
We read that the wicked, through the pride 
of his countenance, will not seek after God. 
Ps. 10: 4. But when God cometh upon 
the sinner by his Spirit, to show hirn his sin 
and misery, and the danger he is in of being 
broken to pieces in the day of his wrath, 
then you shall hear him cry, Mercy, Lord, 
mercy for a miserable sinner, or I perish ! 

4. When the Spirit doth thus convince 
of sin, he maketh the sinner confess his sin, 
and exciteth him to reform his life. Though 
in this work there is not a principle of saving 
grace infused in opposition to sin, yet sin is 
made bitter from the fruits of it ; so that 
while the Spirit of God doth in this manner 
strive with the sinner, and impresseth on his 
mind a dread of God's wrath, he dare not go 
on in his evil courses, and cannot relish the 
pleasures of sin, as when he lived in carnal 
security, fearing lest that threatening should 
be fulfilled upon him, How much she hath 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 83 

glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so 
much torment and sorrow give her. Rev. 
18 : 7. His case is like that expressed in 
Job 20: 12 — 14. Though wickedness be 
sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under 
his tongue ; though he spare it, and forsake 
it not, but keep it still within his mouth ; yet 
his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall 
of asps within him. And now the burden of 
sin lieth so heavy upon the consciences of 
men, that they are compelled, as it were, to 
seek relief by confessing their sins before 
God ; and they find themselves constrained 
to crv out of their sad and wretched state 
before men. When Samuel reproved Saul 
for not utterly destroying Amalek, though at 
first he endeavored to excuse himself, yet 
when the prophet declared to him that 
because he had rejected the word of the 
Lord, God had also rejected him from being 
king; being convicted in his conscience, he 
said, I have sinned. 2 Sam. 15 : 24. And 
now the sinner is sick of his sin, and casts it 
up. He cannot now drink down iniquity 
like water, with greediness and delight, as he 



84 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

did before; but rather abstains from the 
outward commission of it, and formeth reso- 
lutions against it. If tempted, while the 
Spirit is thus striving with him, it is as if you 
should offer pleasant drink to a man, and at 
the same time assure him that there is poison 
in the cup. He, for the present, at least, 
puts aw T ay sin for fear of wrath, and turns 
from his wicked companions. You may ob- 
serve a visible alteration in him. While these 
strong convictions of the Spirit are upon him, 
he is restrained from the commission of sin ; 
but then if he is left to quench these good 
motions, and the Spirit is provoked to depart 
from him, and cease striving ; we have his 
dismal case described in 2 Pe. 2 : 20 — 22. 
If after they have escaped the pollutions of 
the world, through the knowledge of the Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again 
entangled therein, and overcome ; the latter 
end is worse with them than the beginning. 
For it had been better for them not to have 
known the way of righteousness, than after 
they have known it to turn from the holy 
commandment delivered unto them. But it 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 85 

is happened unto them according to the true 
proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit 
again ; and the sow that was washed to her 
wallowing in the mire. O it is a dreadful 
thing to sin against such light, and stifle such 
convictions of the Spirit ! Let such as are 
favored with them take heed therefore, and 
beware of this most dangerous and provoking 
evil. 

5. In this work the Spirit of God showeth 
men the utter insufficiency of creature com- 
forts to afford relief to their troubled minds. 
While men are secure in sin, they are very 
prone to promise themselves satisfaction in 
their outward enjoyments, and so to be un- 
concerned about obtaining the favor of God. 
They spend their days in wealth, and in a 
moment go down to the grave. Therefore 
they say unto God, Depart from us, for we 
desire not the knowledge of thy ways. Job 
21: 13, 14. The riches and pleasures of 
this life often divert men's minds from a seri- 
ous attention to the calls of the gospel. 
When invited to partake of the rich provision 
God hath made for perishing sinners, They 
8 



86 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

make light of it, and go their ways, one to 
his farm, another to his merchandize. Matt. 
22: 5. They are ready to say with the 
rich man, Soul, thou hast much goods laid 
up for many years ; take thine ease, eat, 
drink and be merry. Luke 12: 19. But 
now when the Spirit of God convinceth the 
sinner of the perishing condition of his soul, 
he says to him, Thou fool, this night thy soul 
may be required of thee ; you hang over the 
bottomless pit by the slender thread of a frail 
life, and may before to-morrow lift up your 
eyes in torments. And when thus reproved 
of their sin and folly, their carnal confidence 
and satisfaction in creatures are blasted, and 
their mirth is turned into heaviness. None 
of their worldly enjoyments appear to them 
as they did before ; they have lost their relish 
for them. For now they are convinced that 
these things cannot profit in the day of wrath, 
nor redeem them from destruction. Yea, if 
they have gotten their earthly possessions by 
unrighteous practices, the Spirit of God show- 
eth them that they have been treasuring up 
wrath against the day of wrath. And now 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 87 

they are ready to say, What shall it profit 
us, though we gain the whole world, and lose 
our souls ? What good will these things do 
us, if we must sink down under the weight of 
God's wrath, and perish for ever in hell ? 
Alas ! we shall be the more miserable upon 
the account of them, in the terrible day of 
the Lord. And thus are they brought to 
realize it, that if they would find rest for their 
souls, they must seek better things, and are 
convinced of the great evil of seeking their 
happiness in creatures, in opposition to God. 
Which leads me to say, 

6. When the Spirit of God convinceth 
men of sin, he exciteth them to seek deliver- 
ance in the diligent use of the means of grace 
and salvation. Now they find that nothing 
can give them ease, while the burden of sin 
lieth heavy upon them, and accordingly they 
are concerned to seek the Lord in the ways 
of his own appointment, if haply they may 
find him who alone is able to save them from 
sin and death. Before, they might cast off 
fear, and restrain prayer, but now they cry 
for mercy. Indeed, the force of education 



88 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

and custom may prevail with men to attend 
religious duties ; but then this is done in 
formality, and with little concern about their 
souls. Whereas, when the Holy Spirit Com- 
eth upon men, to convince them of their sin 
and danger, his voice is like that in Jonah 1: 
6. What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, 
call upon thy God, if so be that God will 
think upon us, that we perish not. And 
when these convictions are strong upon them, 
they are ready to make that inquiry, with 
great seriousness, What must I do to be 
saved ? Acts 16 : 30. And to say with them 
who were pricked in their heart, Men and 
brethren, what shall we do? And now it 
may be said of them, as of Saul, Behold, he 
prayeth. Acts 9:11. No doubt Saul, having 
been a Pharisee, had made many prayers 
before this ; but now, in anguish of spirit, we 
may suppose he was ready to say, with the 
publican, Lord, be merciful to me a sinner. 
The whole need not the physician. But 
when sinners are made to feel the smart of 
those deadly wounds which sin hath given 
them, and at the same time hear of a Saviour, 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 89 

they are pressed in spirit to seek to him, 
saying, Lord, save me, or I perish. Now 
they also attend to the preaching of the word 
after another manner than before, finding that 
the threatenings and reproofs of God's word 
belong to them. And being concerned to 
flee from the wrath to come, their fears urge 
them to mind the duties of religion, and to 
strive to enter in at the strait gate, lest 
their day of grace should end before they 
have obtained an interest in Jesus Christ ; 
for now they dread the damnation of hell. 

7. The Spirit of God beats men off from 
a carnal dependence on their religious duties, 
and showeth them that their salvation must 
come from God alone. 

It is to be feared that many who have been 
under convictions, and so turned from open 
impiety to some outward reformation and at- 
tendance on religious duties, stop here, and 
never go out to Christ for salvation. Our 
Lord assureth us that there are foolish virgins 
in the visible church, that content themselves 
with an outward profession, without being 
concerned to obtain the oil of saving grace in 
8* 



90 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

their hearts ; and then fall asleep in carnal 
security, until they are awaked by the mid- 
night cry, Go ye out to meet him. And 
then they are wholly at a loss, finding the 
door of mercy shut against them. They cry, 
Lord, Lord, open to us ; but he answereth, I 
know you not. Matt. 25. And, therefore, 
when the Spirit of God is pleased to carry on 
his work, he convinceth men of the great evil 
and danger of their resting here, without a 
saving conversion to God, and union with 
Christ by faith. He showeth them more and 
more, the vileness of their own hearts, and 
the absolute necessity of their being renewed 
in the spirit of their minds, after the image of 
God ; that, except they are born again, they 
cannot see the kingdom of God. And con- 
vinceth them that if they are saved after all, 
it must not be according to works which they 
have done, but according to the free grace 
and mercy of God, through the merits of 
Jesus Christ. The promise is not made to 
them that labor and are heavy laden ; but to 
them, who, being heavy laden with the bur- 
den of their sins, go to Christ upon his most 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 91 

gracious call and invitation, Come unto me, 
all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest. Matt. 1 1 : 28. And our 
Lord declareth, Him that cometh unto me, I 
will in no wise cast out. John 6: 31. Now 
we go to Christ in the exercise of faith. He 
that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he 
that believeth on me, shall never thirst, v. 35. 
Nor is the promise made to them that attend 
religious duties merely from a slavish fear and 
dread of wrath, and without any sincere re- 
gard to the glory of God. Indeed, it is not sin 
for persons while unconverted, to pray to 
God, hear his word, &c. No : such duties as 
these God requireth of them, and they are to 
be exhorted and encouraged to seek the Lord 
in these ways of his appointment, forasmuch 
as God has often been found of men, while in 
the diligent use of means ; but, then, they 
must be made sensible that they fail in the 
manner of their attending upon these religious 
duties. Without faith it is impossible to 
please God. Heb. 11 : 6. And, therefore, if 
men depend on the discharge of these religious 
duties, instead of using them as means to lead 



92 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

them to Christ, that they may be justified and 
saved by faith in him, they rest on a sandy 
foundation which will certainly fail them. 
Accordingly when the Spirit of God carrieth 
on his work, he reproveth this Pharisaic pride, 
and convinceth men of the great evil of it : 
so that they dare not stand before God, as 
the Pharisee did, saying, God, I thank thee 
that I am not as other men are, extortioners, 
unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican 
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all 
I possess. Luke 18: 12. No, but rather 
with the publican, cry for merc}^, after all the 
pains they have taken to seek the Lord in 
the way of duty. The Spirit of God showeth 
men that except their righteousness shall ex- 
ceed the righteousness of the Scribes and 
Pharisees, they shall in no case enter into 
the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5: 20. And 
maketh them sensible that, notwithstanding 
all their labors in duty and outward reforma- 
tion, God might damn them should he deal 
with them in a way of strict justice ; and that 
if they are saved, their salvation must come 
from the Lord. And thus is the way of the 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 93 

Lord prepared by the Spirit, that the Son of 
God may come into the hearts of his chosen 
people, and give rest to their weary souls. 
Indeed, this work hath not a causal virtue to 
produce saving grace, as has been hinted. 
After all, there must be a saving change 
wrought in all the powers of the soul by the 
Spirit of God, that we may receive Jesus 
Christ upon the gracious offer and command 
of the gospel. We must have Jesus Christ 
revealed to us, and have that faith wrought in 
us by the Spirit, whereby we may close with 
him on gospel terms ; and that repentance 
whereby we may turn from all sin unto God. 
There must be such a conviction of our need 
of righteousness, and of the perfection of 
Christ's righteousness, as that we may depend 
on him entirely for justification before God. 
And there must be such a conviction of judg- 
ment, as that we may submit to the Son of 
God as our Lord and Judge, saying, O Lord, 
our God, other lords beside thee have had 
dominion over us ; but by thee only will we 
make mention of thy name. Isa. 26 : 13. 
O that this may be the happy issue of the 



94 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Spirit's striving with elder and younger per- 
sons ! And may none be left to resist and 
quench his good motions ! Come, O Breath, 
and breathe upon these slain, that they may 
live ! 

APPLICATION. 

Use 1. Let us inquire into the state of 
our souls ; particularly, whether we have had 
the experience of this work of the Spirit. 
Has the Holy Spirit convinced us of our sin 
and misery by the fall, so that we have been 
made sensible of our lost, perishing state, as 
we are the children of the first Adam, in 
whom all die ? It is true, there may be con- 
siderable variety as to the degree of the 
Spirit's operation. Some may have greater 
terror, and of longer continuance than others, 
as we before observed. But, then, we have 
reason to conclude that the Spirit of God is a 
spirit of bondage unto fear, to every uncon- 
verted person grown to years of understand- 
ing and judgment, before he is a spirit of 
regeneration and adoption. And, therefore, 
such as are confident of their being in a state 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 95 

of salvation, without a conviction of sin, and 
painful sense of the defiling and destroying 
evil of it, have just reason to fear that they 
deceive themselves. 

Our Saviour declareth to the Laodiceans, 
who were puffed up with a proud and false 
conceit of themselves, that they were wretched, 
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and 
naked, before he counsels them to come to 
him for gold tried in the fire, that they might 
be enriched with saving grace more precious 
than gold, &c. Rev. 3 : 17, 18. Let us then, 
examine and try ourselves, whether we have 
ever felt the burden of our sins too heavy for 
us to bear, and been made sensible of the vile 
corruption of our hearts ; so as to cry to God 
for deliverance, being convinced that nothing 
short of his almighty power and grace can 
save us. And here, supposing the case, that 
some of you were converted while very 
young ; yet it is incumbent on you to inquire, 
whether you have such a spiritual sight of the 
evil of sin, as to be in bitterness upon the 
account of it, and to be excited to work out 
your own salvation with fear and trembling. 



96 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

This is plain, that the best of men, in this 
imperfect state, have reason to cry out, Lord, 
help our unbelief! And to groan out that 
complaint, O, wretched man that I am, who 
shall deliver me from the body of this death ! 
Rom. 7 : 24. And when they have indulged 
themselves for any time in carnal security, or 
fallen into scandalous sins, the Spirit of God 
has so withdrawn from them, that they have 
been brought into great perplexity, and could 
have no solid peace till renewed to repentance. 
This was David's case. Ps. 51. And Peter's. 
Luke 22 : 61, 62. Agreeably, our Saviour 
said to him, When thou art converted, 
strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22 : 32. In- 
deed, that God who hath begun a good work 
in true converts, will perform it until the day 
of Jesus Christ. However, even these may 
need a further and more thorough conversion 
from particular ways of sinning, that they may 
be in a meet disposition to attend the duties and 
enjoy the blessings of Christ's kingdom, after 
a comfortable manner. Matt. 18:3. Surely, 
then, there is weighty reason why we should 
all of us look into the state of our souls, and 



CONTINCETH OF SIN. 97 

inquire what convictions we have experienced? 
and what hath been the issue of them. And 
after all, we should make use of that prayer, 
Search me, O God, and know my heart : try 
me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there 
be any wicked way in me, and lead me in 
the way everlasting. Ps. 139 : 23, 24. 

Use 2. Are the convictions of the Spirit 
so sharp and pungent sometimes ? How 
dreadful must it be to fall under the vindictive 
wrath of God in hell for ever. 

Do sinners, now, while there is hope, fear 
and tremble before the Lord, when he thus 
reproveth them for sin ? Are they pricked to 
the heart, and sometimes ready to cry out, 
under the heavy load of sin, A wounded 
spirit who can bear ! Certainly, then the 
torments of hell will be altogether intolerable ; 
where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not 
quenched. Hell is a bottomless pit, in which 
the damned sink down in everlasting despair 
without the least gleam of hope, while the 
wrath of God is poured out upon them to the 
uttermost. The children of the kingdom 
shall be cast out into outer darkness : there 
9 



98 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt. 
8: 12. Can you not bear the Spirit's con- 
victions, when he sets home the threatenings 
of God's word upon your consciences? How 
will you then be able to hear that sentence 
pronounced by your Lord and Judge, Depart 
from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, pre- 
pared for the devil and his angels ; and then 
to have it executed upon you. O, you will be 
utterly consumed with terrors ! 

Use 3. Let such as have their hearts 
hardened from the fear of God, ask the Holy 
Spirit to convince them of their sin and dan- 
ger, before it be too late. 

O, let the terrors of the Lord rouse you ! 
Open your eyes, consider your heinous iniqui- 
ty in hardening your hearts against God at 
such a time as this, and behold your extreme 
danger of perishing in your sins. For who 
hath hardened himself against God and hath 
prospered ? O let that awful word sink down 
into your ears, and into your hearts, He, 
that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, 
shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without 
remedy. Prov. 29: 1. Amazing stupidity! 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 99 

You cannot but hear others complaining of 
a hard heart, and desiring prayers that God 
would take away the stony heart and give a 
heart of flesh, tender and quick to receive im- 
pressions of God's word and Spirit. And are 
you still unconcerned? How dangerous a symp- 
tom is this ! What a deadly lethargy has seized 
your souls ! And how great is the danger 
that you will never awake, till you lift up 
your eyes in torments ! Are you not nigh to 
that dreadful curse, He which is filthy, let 
him be filthy still ? Do not conclude that 
God will, but be greatly afraid lest he should 
utterly forsake you. Deprecate that fearful 
judgment, and cry to God to deliver you from 
it ; acknowledging that God would be justi- 
fied should he thus speak against you, and be 
clear should he thus judge you. God hath 
given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that 
they should not see, and ears that they should 
not hear. Rom. 11:8. 

And let your sad experience teach you 
that it is not in men nor outward means, to 
convince you of sin and awaken you out of 
your carnal security, unless the Spirit accom- 



100 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

pany these means, and apply them to your 
souls. And accordingly, mourn bitterly be- 
cause you have resisted and vexed the good 
Spirit of God, and take heed you proceed no 
further to do despite to the Spirit of grace; 
and so live only to fill up the measure of your 
sins, and to ripen for a much sorer punish- 
ment, than many others who perish, shall 
endure. O thou infinitely powerful and gra- 
cious God, with whom all things are possible, 
do thou awaken them, and pluck them as 
brands out of the fire ! 

Use 4. Let such as have received the 
Spirit of God as a spirit of conviction, cherish 
his motions, and cry to God more earnestly 
for his Spirit as a spirit of regeneration and 
adoption. 

Though I have spoken to you more largely 
in the former discourse, yet I cannot forbear fur- 
ther to advise and direct you. Do not rest here, 
but be encouraged the more earnestly to seek 
the things which accompany salvation. It is 
hopeful that this work is brought nigh to the 
birth ; cry to God for strength, that it may be 
brought forth with the shouting of grace unto 
it. And if your distress should now increase, 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 101 

do not faint ; but rather cry, with the Psalm- 
ist, The troubles of my heart are enlarged : 
O bring me out of my distresses. Ps. 25 : 17. 
It may be the new birth will quickly follow, 
to your unspeakable joy. But then you 
must be sensible that this cannot be by any 
might or power of your own ; but only by 
the Spirit of the Lord of hosts. Look above 
yourself then, and all creatures, unto the 
Lord, that you may be saved. And let it 
encourage you, that this work is in the hands 
of the good Spirit of God, who delighteth in 
holiness ; and may be called the Holy Spirit 
in Scripture, partly because it is his work to 
renew God's people in the spirit of their 
minds, after the image of God, which consists 
in knowledge, righteousness and holiness ; 
that it is in the hands of the almighty Spirit 
of God, who can convert you more easy than 
you can speak a word. Surely nothing is to 
be despaired of, while this divine Spirit is 
working upon your hearts. 

O seek the more earnestly then to that 
God who is able to do for you above all you 

can ask or think ! And now strive, even as 
9# 



102 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

in agony, that you may enter in at the strait 
gate, of a saving conversion. Why may it 
not be this night ? Why may there not be a 
saving union between Christ and your souls 
even now ? Come, all things are ready. O 
God ! Do thou draw them ! for there is no 
man can come to the Son, except the Father 
draw him. We wait for thee, more than they 
that watch for the morning. May the power 
of the Lord be present, to heal the broken 
in heart and bind up their wounds ! May 
there be joy in heaven over many repenting 
sinners ! And may the mourners in Zion 
have the oil of joy given them for mourning, 
and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
heaviness. 

Use 5. Let such as have received the 
Holy Spirit, as a spirit of adoption, praise the 
God of all grace, and walk humbly with him. 

Hath God revealed his Son in and to you, 
by giving you his Spirit to convince you of 
his righteousness, and to enable you to believe 
in him to the saving of your souls? Is 
the love of God thus shed abroad in your 
hearts by the Holy Ghost ? Is Christ thus 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 103 

formed in you ? Hail, you are highly fa- 
vored, the Lord is with you, and you are 
blessed. Flesh and blood have not revealed 
the Son of God unto you, but the Father 
which is in heaven. Let your souls, then, 
magnify the Lord, and your spirits rejoice in 
your Saviour. Give glory to God, and say, 
each one of you, after Christ, I thank thee, 
O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because 
thou hast hid these things from the wise and 
prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes ; 
even so Father, for so it seemeth good in thy 
sight. Matt. 11: 25,26. And then look to 
the foundation of your joy, that it be laid in 
deep repentance. Blessed are they that 
mourn, for they shall be comforted. Look to 
it that your joy be a humble, holy joy, and 
such as shall be your strength in running the 
way of God's commandments. Of true joy 
it is said, The joy of the Lord is your strength. 
Neh. 8 : 10. Let it be as oil to the wheels 
of your obedience, and let your hearts be lift 
up in the ways of God, while you happily 
find that the ways of wisdom are ways of 
pleasantness, and all her paths peace. Say, 



104 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

with the apostle Paul, Our rejoicing is this, 
the testimony of our conscience, that in sim- 
plicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly 
wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have 
had our conversation in the world. 2 Cor. 1: 
12. O, take heed, beware of pride and car- 
nal security. Serve the Lord with fear, and 
rejoice with trembling. And when God hath 
spoken peace, turn not again to folly. 

Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, where- 
by ye are sealed to the day of redemption ; 
but walk in him, and you shall not fulfil the 
lusts of the flesh. Do not boast as if your 
work was done, and your warfare accom- 
plished ; but rather expect to meet with 
temptations, and put on the whole armor of 
God, that you may be able to stand against 
the wiles of the devil. Think it not strange, 
if God should hide his face, after you have 
had the light of his countenance lifted up 
upon you. This is no other trial than what 
many of God's children have endured. Be 
encouraged, then, to hear and obey that 
word, Isa. 50 : 10, Who is among you that 
feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 105 

his servant, that walketh in darkness, and 
hath no light ? Let him trust in the name of 
the Lord and stay upon his God. Hope in 
God, and wait patiently for him, till he shall 
cause light to arise again unto you. And let 
none of these things move you, neither count 
your lives dear, that you may finish your 
course with joy. 

To conclude, let us, with humble thankful- 
ness, behold that remarkable work of grace 
which I trust God is carrying on in this town 
and other places ; and be encouraged to seek 
the Lord more earnestly, that his kingdom 
may come with power, by the more plentiful 
effusions of his Holy Spirit; and that the 
Lord would rebuke Satan in all his attempts 
to hinder or reproach this work, and bruise 
him under our feet. Let us bless God for 
his Spirit and grace manifested in and with 
his servants that have preached the gospel 
among us, and for the great success which has 
attended their painful labors. However, let 
us not have men's persons in admiration 
because of advantage ; but remember that 
word, So, then, neither is he that planteth 



106 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

any thing, neither he that watereth : but 
God that giveth the increase. 1 Cor. 3 : 7. 
And, accordingly, let the glory be given to 
the God of all grace. And my brethren, I 
apprehend we should reflect upon it as a fault 
and infirmity, that though you had such re- 
peated opportunities of hearing those worthy 
persons, that yet one and another assembly 
hath been crowded in such a manner, as even 
to make disturbance on the Lord's day, while 
others have been, in a considerable degree, 
left destitute. 

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the 
word of the Lord may have free course and 
be glorified. And let the stated provision of 
God's house be duly valued by you. Let 
your zeal for the ordinances continue, and be 
manifested in your constant and diligent at- 
tendance on the public worship, in an especial 
manner on the Lord's day. And when you 
wait upon God, in the use of the means of 
grace, always bear in mind, those words, I 
am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee 
to profit. Isa. 58: 17. And let that apostol- 
ical exhortation be duly regarded by you, We 



CONVINCETH OF SIN. 107 

beseech you, brethren, to know them that 
labor among you, and are over you in the 
Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them 
very highly, in love, for their work's sake. 
And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thes. 
5: 12, 13. The more there is of mutual 
esteem and love between ministers and their 
people, the fairer prospect is there of the suc- 
cess of their ministry. And the more con- 
cerned we are to study the things which make 
for peace, the more likely shall we be to edify 
one another. When brethren dwell together 
in unity, God commandeth the blessing on 
Zion. Ps. 133. Let us, then, avoid all un- 
christian heats and animosities, all rash judging 
and censuring one another. And in opposi- 
tion to this, let all unite their best endeavors, 
in their several places, to promote the great 
interest of pure and undefiled religion ; that 
Christ may increase, and his kingdom flourish 
among us. And may it please the God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to bless you 
and all his people, by fulfilling that good 
word, Ezek. 39: 29, Neither will I hide 
my face any more from them : for I have 



108 THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF SIN. 

poured out my Spirit upon the house of Israel' 
saith the Lord God. And blessed be his 
glorious name for ever and ever, and let the 
earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and 
amen ! 



LECTURE III. 



THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUS- 
NESS. 

JOHN 16: 8. 

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and 
of righteousness, and of judgment. 

DOCTRINE I. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to con- 
vince and reprove men of sin. 

This doctrine hath been spoken to at the 
Tuesday Evening Lecture, in Brattle Street, 
where I am persuaded God has blessed the 
labors of his servants for spiritual good to 
many. May it please our glorious Lord to 
grant his gracious presence with us also at 
this Lecture, and to command his blessing on 
the ministry of the word and prayer, that 

* Preached at the opening of a Friday Evening Lec- 
ture, in the Old South Meeting-House, Boston, April 
17, 1741. 

10 



110 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

sinners may be convinced and converted, and 
the children of God grow in grace, and in 
the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ! 
Lord, we wait upon thee for the more abun- 
dant effusions of thy Spirit, humbly acknowl- 
edging that neither is he that planteth any 
thing, neither he that watereth : but God that 
giveth the increase. 

Having considered the work of the Holy 
Spirit in convincing and reproving men of 
sin, by which they are brought to despair in 
themselves, and made sensible of their need 
of a Saviour to deliver them from sin and 
wrath, we now proceed to show that by the 
same Spirit the humbled sinner is convinced 
that Jesus is the just one, who hath brought 
in an everlasting righteousness for the justifi- 
cation of sinners before God. Now the me- 
dium or argument which the Spirit is said to 
use for this end, we have in v. 10, Of 
righteousness, because I go to my Father, 
and ye see me no more. An undeniable 
evidence that he came forth from God, and 
had finished the work which the Father gave 
him to do upon earth. Behold our Saviour 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Ill 

appearing in heaven for his people as a lamb 
that had been slain, and ever living to make 
intercession for them ; and let awakened sin- 
ners be encouraged to look off from them- 
selves and all mere creatures, and to look up 
unto Jesus as able to save even to the utter- 
most. Hear his voice from the excellent 
glory, Look unto me and be ye saved all 
the ends of the earth. Isa. 45: 22. May the 
God of salvation look down in his tender 
mercy upon us, and cause his words to come 
into our hearts in demonstration of the Spirit, 
and of power ! 

DOCTRINE II. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to con- 
vince men of righteousness. 

Under this doctrine and for the confirma- 
tion of it, we may consider the following 
particulars. 

I. What is here intended by righteousness. 

II. Show that it is the Spirit who convin- 
ceth of righteousness. 

III. Consider the means which the Spirit 
useth to convince men of righteousness. 



^v. 



112 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

IV. Offer some description of this work 
of the Spirit. 

I. What is here intended by righteousness. 

I answer, the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 
In this I think expositors are generally agreed, 
and v. 10 applieth it to Christ. 

More particularly, 

1. The Spirit of God convinceth men that 
Jesus of Nazareth is Christ the righteous ; 
the true Messiah, and no impostor. 

Thus the words are understood by some 
as especially intending Christ's own personal 
righteousness. Jesus is the Son of God, and 
one with the Father in the essential perfec- 
tions and rectitude of the divine nature. I 
and my Father are one. John 10: 30. And 
to him those words, Ps. 45 : 6, 7, are applied, 
Heb. 1 : 8, 9. But unto the Son he saith, 
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever ; a 
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy 
kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and 
hated iniquity. And in his human nature 
taken into personal union with his divine, he 
was perfectly free from all even the least sin 
from his conception and birth, and throughout 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 113 

his whole life. Thus it was said to the 
blessed virgin. The Holy Ghost shall come 
upon thee, and the power of the Highest 
shall overshadow thee ; therefore also that 
holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall 
be called the Son of God. Luke 1 : 35. 
And as to his life, none could ever convince 
him of evil ; for he did none, nor was guile 
found in his mouth. Yea, his holy Father 
who seeth in secret, saw no defect or blemish 
in him. This is my beloved Son, in whom I 
am well pleased. Matt. 3:17. Such an 
high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, 
undefiled, separate from sinners. Heb. 7 : 26. 
Indeed he was accused as a deceiver, a blas- 
phemer, a friend of publicans and sinners. 
But even then, wisdom was justified of her 
children, and there were some who beheld his 
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of 
the Father. The characters given of the 
Messiah unite in him, and the apostlej Peter 
declareth concerning him, Ye men of Israel, 
hear these words ; Jesus of Nazareth, a man 
approved of God among you, by miracles, 
and wonders, and signs, which God did by 
10* 



114 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

him in the midst of you. Acts 2 : 22. And 
though he was numbered with the transgres- 
sors, yet we must remember that he suffered 
the just for the unjust. The Messiah was 
cut off, but not for himself. Accordingly we 
find in the sacred history, that Pilate his 
judge pronounced him innocent ; and Judas 
who had the greatest advantages to know his 
Master's life and conversation, in great horror 
confessed that he had betrayed the innocent 
blood. And when Peter charged the Jews 
with this horrible crime, of denying the holy 
one and the just, and desiring a murderer to 
be granted unto them, great numbers were 
convinced of their heinous sin in crucifying 
the Lord of glory, and brought to trust in 
him as the true Messiah and only Saviour. 
Acts 2 : 3. 

2. That there is in Christ a mediatorial 
righteousness to be imputed to his people for 
their justification before God. 

And this is supposed, by worthy expositors, 
to be principally intended in the words. One 
of the glorious titles given to our Lord Jesus 
is, that, The Lord our Righteousness. Jer. 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. .115 

23 : 6. It was prophesied of the Messiah, 
that he should finish the transgression, make 
an end of sins, make reconciliation for ini- 
quity, and bring in everlasting righteousness. 
Dan. 9 : 24. And it is no small part of the 
glory of the gospel, that in it the righteousness 
of God is revealed from faith to faith. Rom. 1 : 
16, 17. Here it is declared that the Son of 
God in our nature was made sin for his peo- 
ple, the iniquities of God's people being laid 
upon him ; that they might be made the 
righteousness of God in him, having his per- 
fect righteousness imputed to them for their 
justification, when they receive him by faith. 
Indeed this great doctrine was to the carnal 
Jews a stumbling-block. For they being 
ignorant of God's righteousness, and going 
about to establish their own righteousness, 
have not submitted themselves unto the right- 
eousness of God. Rom. 10: 3. And it was 
to the Greeks foolishness. They imagined it 
was an absurd thing to trust in Christ for 
righteousness, who was crucified 7 as if he had 
been the vilest malefactor. But now, when 
the Spirit of God has convinced his people of 



116 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

their sin, and made them sensible that they 
must go out of themselves for righteousness, 
he revealeth the Son to them, in whom God 
is reconciling the world to himself, not impu- 
ting their iniquities ; and maketh manifest the 
righteousness of God, which is by faith of 
Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that 
believe. Rom. 3 : 21, 22. This divine 
Spirit showeth them the fullness, the suffi- 
ciency of this righteousness for their justifica- 
tion, and enableth them, even when they 
have the deepest sense of the greatness of 
their sins, to rely upon Christ, that they may 
be accepted as righteous with God. 

Thus it was with the apostle Paul after 
Christ was revealed unto him. Though he 
had some of the strongest temptations to in- 
dulge confidence in the flesh, yet he counted 
all loss for Christ. But what things were 
gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 
Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss, 
for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
Jesus my Lord ; for whom I have suffered 
the loss of all things, and do count them but 
dung that I may win Christ, and be found in 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 117 

him, not having mine own righteousness, 
which is of the law, but that which is through 
the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is 
of God by faith. Phil. 3 : 7—9. 

3. This righteousness may intend the 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ communicated 
to his people for their sanctification, and to 
make them meet for the inheritance of the 
saints in light. 

Christ is of God made unto his people, 
righteousness, also sanctification. 1 Cor. 1 : 
30. As they have his perfect righteousness 
imputed to them for their justification before 
God, so they derive inherent righteousness 
from him when they are renewed after the 
image of God. Our Lord Jesus is the head 
of all gracious influences, and with him is 
the spring of our spiritual life. It pleased 
the Father, that in him should all fullness 
dwell. Col. 1 : 19. And of his fullness we 
receive, and grace for grace. John 1 : 16. 
Now when the Spirit of God hath convinced 
men that they are by nature empty of grace, 
and utterly impotent of spiritual good, he 
showeth them also that Christ has purchased 
abundance of grace and of the gift of right- 



118 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

eousness to communicate to his people ; and 
that there is a fountain opened in him to 
cleanse, not only from the guilt, but also 
from the defilements of sin, till believers 
shall be presented faultless before him. 
The Holy Spirit convinceth men that Christ 
must be the author and finisher of faith, and 
other graces in them ; and that though of 
themselves they can do nothing, yet that 
through Christ strengthening them, they may 
do all things necessary to salvation. 

II. We proceed to show, that it is the 
work of the Spirit to convince men of this 
righteousness. 

Here I may say, that it is the Holy Spirit 
who maketh the effectual application of the 
redemption purchased by Christ to the souls 
of men. We are saved by the washing of 
regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost, shed on us abundantly through Jesus 
Christ our Saviour. Tit. 3: 5, 6. The 
grace of our Lord Jesus, and the love of God 
are brought home to his chosen people, by 
the communion of the Holy Ghost. And in 
particular, the saving evidence and con- 
viction of the great doctrines of the gospel 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 119 

respecting Christ's person as God-man, and 
respecting his mediation, are from the same 
Spirit. Agreeably, our Saviour declared to 
his disciples, v. 13, When he the Spirit of 
truth is come, he will guide you into all 
truth. The word is emphatical, and signifieth 
not only that the Spirit would discover these 
truths in the notion of them, but also that he 
would lead his disciples into an experimental 
acquaintance with them, so that they should 
live and act under the governing influence of 
them. It follows, v. 14, He shall glorify me : 
for he shall receive of mine, and shall show 
it unto you. And therefore the apostle Paul 
prayeth to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
the Father of glory, to give to the Christian 
Ephesians the spirit of wisdom and revela- 
tion, in the knowledge of him, the eyes of 
their understanding being enlightened, that 
they might know what is the exceeding great- 
ness of his power to them that believe, ac- 
cording to the working of his mighty power, 
which he wrought in Christ, when he raised 
him from the dead. Eph. 1 : 16 — 20. And 
the same apostle, speaking of Christ and him 



120 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

crucified, declareth that these things are re- 
vealed by the Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth 
all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Cor. 
2: 10. As the Spirit moved on the face of 
the waters, when darkness was on the face of 
the deep, and created the light, so in the new 
creation, he moveth on the hearts of his peo- 
ple, and gives them the light of the knowl- 
edge of Christ and his righteousness. The 
Spirit of God then is the author of this con- 
viction. It is he that reneweth his people in 
knowledge, when he forms the new man in 
them. Agreeably we read of the demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit. 1 Cor. 2 ; 4. And when 
the apostle John had said that Christ cams 
by water and blood, that he might save us 
both from the guilt and defilement of sin, he 
further observeth in the same verse, It is the 
Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit 
is truth. 1 John 5 : 6. It is the divine Spirit 
then who declareth to men that we have re- 
demption through the blood of Jesus, the for- 
giveness of sins. 

III. We may consider the means which 
the Spirit of God useth to convince men of 
Christ's righteousness. 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 121 

1. The Spirit of God naaketh use of his 
word to convince men of the righteousness of 
Jesus Christ. 

Our Saviour declareth that the Scriptures 
testify of him. John 5 : 39. And if we dili- 
gently consult the prophecies, types and 
promises of the Old Testament relating to 
the Messiah, and then compare them with 
the revelation and history of the New Testa- 
ment, we shall find a wonderful harmony and 
agreement between them, and be obliged to 
acknowledge that in sending Jesus to save his 
people from their sins, God has performed 
the mercy promised to the fathers, and re- 
membered his holy covenant. Now prophecy 
came not in old time by the will of man ; but 
holy men of God spake as they were moved 
by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. 1 : 21. Accord- 
ingly it is said of them who prophesied of 
the grace which should come unto us, that 
they searched diligently what manner of time 
the Spirit of Christ, which was in them did 
signify, when it testified beforehand the suf- 
ferings of Christ, and the glory that should 
follow. 1 Pet. 1 : 10, 11. If we read Ps. 
11 



122 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

22, Isa. 7: 14, 52, Dan. 9, and many 
other prophecies and promises of the Old 
Testament, we shall see that the Spirit of 
God in and by his inspired word did testify 
of Christ, and particularly of the perfect 
righteousness which he was to bring in for 
the justification of sinners. By his knowl- 
edge, by the knowledge of himself, shall my 
righteous servant justify many ; for he shall 
bear their iniquities, Isa. 53 : 11. Dan. 9: 24. 
Our Saviour while in the exercise of his min- 
istry upon earth, applied to himself the 
famous prophecy we have recorded, Isa. 61 : 
1 — 3, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, 
because he hath anointed me to preach the 
gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal 
the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to 
the captives, and recovering of sight to the 
blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 
to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 
Luke 4: 18, 19, vs. 21, 22. This day is 
this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all 
bear him witness, and wondered at the gra- 
cious words which proceeded out of his 
mouth. And after his resurrection, when he 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 123 

had rebuked two of his disciples for being so 
slow of heart to believe all that the prophets 
had spoken, it is said, Beginning at Moses and 
all the prophets, he expounded to them in 
all the Scriptures, the things concerning him- 
self. Luke 24 : 27. And it is plain our Lord 
accompanied his word with the light and 
heat of his divine Spirit ; for they said one 
to another, Did not our heart burn within us, 
while he talked with us by the way, and 
while he opened to us the Scriptures ? v. 32. 
And after Christ's ascension into heaven, 
when the Spirit of God was poured out from 
on high, the apostles and other ministers of 
Christ did evidently prove from Scriptures 
that Jesus was the Christ, to the saving con- 
version of great numbers, and the confusion 
of his implacable enemies. 

Thus it was when the preaching of the 
word was attended with the power of the 
Holy Ghost, many believed, and turned to 
the Lord. The full evidence of Scripture, 
when thus impressed on the mind, cannot be 
gainsayed. We read of Apollos who was 
mighty in the Scriptures, and fervent in the 



124 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Spirit, that he mightily convinced the Jews, 
and that publicly, showing by the Scriptures, 
that Jesus was Christ. Acts 18 : 28. The 
apostle Paul tells us that there was a veil 
over the hearts of the Jews in reading of the 
Old Testament, which is done away in Christ. 
2 Cor. 3: 14. He then adds, v. 18. We 
all with open face, beholding as in a glass the 
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same 
image from glory to glory, even as by the 
Spirit of the Lord. So clear and powerful 
is the reflection of the glory of Christ from 
the word of God, when the Spirit removeth 
the veil of spiritual blindness. Now the light 
of the glorious gospel of Christ shineth into 
the heart, to give the light of the knowledge 
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus 
Christ. 

2. The Spirit of God convinceth men of 
the righteousness of Christ, by his resurrec- 
tion from the dead. 

We read of Christ, that he was delivered 
for our offences, and was raised again for our 
justification. Rom. 4: 25. "By the merit 
of his death, he paid our debt : in his resur- 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 125 

rection he took out our acquittance." When 
he suffered on the cross, the sins of his peo- 
ple were laid upon him as their surety, and 
had he not given full satisfaction to divine 
justice for them, he must have been held in 
the prison of the grave, he could never have 
risen from the dead. But Jesus is risen ac- 
cording to his word and promise, Destroy this 
temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 
John 2:19. We have incontestable proof 
of this important fact in the holy Scriptures, 
particularly from many faithful witnesses who 
sealed their testimony with their blood. Now 
this great work of Christ's resurrection is 
ascribed to the Father, to the Son himself; 
and he is also said to be quickened by the 
Spirit. 1 Pet. 3 : 18. And he is said to be 
declared to be the Son of God with power, 
according to the Spirit of holiness, by the 
resurrection from the dead. Rom. 1: 4. And 
indeed this is a strong proof that our Saviour 
was the person he professed himself to be, 
the Son of God by eternal generation. Thus 
an expositor observeth on the place, " The 
sign of the prophet Jonas, i. e., Christ's re- 
11* 



126 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

surrection, was intended for the last convic- 
tion. Matt. 12: 39, 40. Those that would 
not be convinced by that, would be convinced 
by nothing." # Accordingly when the apos- 
tle Peter would convince the Jews that Jesus 
whom they crucified, was the Christ, he de- 
clareth his resurrection from the dead. He 
seeing this before, spake of the resurrection 
of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, 
neither his flesh did see corruption. This 
Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are 
witnesses. Acts 2: 31, 32. And the Spirit 
of God being then given to set home the 
word on their hearts, many were convinced, 
and brought to repent and believe in Christ 
unto salvation, vs. 37 — 41. Yea, of such 
great moment is the doctrine of the resurrec- 
tion of Christ, that the evidence of the truth 
of the Christian religion very much depends 
upon it. If Christ be not risen, then is our 
preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 
1 Cor. 15 : 14. And he repeateth it, v. 17, 
If Christ be not raised, then is your faith 
vain ; ye are yet in your sins. And there- 

* Cont. Mr. Henry. 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 127 

fore the apostle sets himself to prove this 
doctrine in this chapter. And in Rom. 8, he 
lays the greatest stress upon it. Who is he 
that condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea 
rather, that is risen again ? v. 34. Here we 
see then that the Spirit of God in his in- 
spired word, maketh great use of Christ's 
resurrection as an evidence of his being the 
true Messiah, and the only name given under 
heaven among men, whereby we must be 
saved ; and when he pleasetb to set home 
this argument on the hearts of men, they 
conclude that in Christ, and him only there is 
a perfect righteousness for their justification 
before God. 

3. The Spirit convinceth men of the 
righteousness of Christ, by his ascension into 
heaven, and session at the right hand of God. 
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, 
and ye see me no more. 

When our Lord had through the Holy 
Ghost given commandments unto the apos- 
tles, and showed himself alive unto them 
after his passion, by many infallible proofs, 
being seen of them forty days, he was 



128 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

taken up, and a cloud received him out of 
their sight. Acts 1: 9. And the word of 
God declareth that he is set down at the right 
hand of the majesty on high, and must reign 
till all enemies are put under his feet. Thus 
we see Jesus, for the suffering of death 
crowned with glory and honor, and exalted 
to be a Prince and a Saviour. Now he 
could never have been received to the glo- 
rious rest of heaven, had he not finished his 
work on earth. Accordingly we read, By 
his own blood he entered in once into the 
holy place, having obtained eternal redemp- 
tion for us. Heb. 9: 12. Had not his pre- 
cious blood been of value to make atonement 
for sin, and purchase the justification of life 
for his people, the man Christ Jesus could 
never have gone to heaven, powerfully to 
intercede for his people, and prepare a place 
for them. He asks for nothing in the behalf 
of his people but what he has purchased, 
and bought by a valuable price. Agreeably, 
we have those two parts of his priestly office, 
his obedience to death, and the prevailing 
power of his intercession put together, as 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 129 

indeed they are dependent on each other. If 
any man sin, we have an advocate with the 
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he 
is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for 
ours only, but also for the sins of the whole 
world. 1 John 2: 1, 2. And thus while the 
Father heareth the Son, and distributeth par- 
don and grace to his people, righteousness 
and peace kiss each other. This is then an 
undeniable evidence that Christ is approved 
and accepted of God in the great work of 
our redemption. Our Lord addeth, And ye 
see me no more ; upon which a learned divine 
observeth, "If he had ascended without 
fulfilling all righteousness for the church, he 
should have been sent down, and seen again ; 
but now, saith he, you see me no more, for 
by once dying, and by once appearing in the 
end of the world, I have put away sin by the 
sacrifice of myself." # And this is farther 
evident, in that the great promise of the Holy 
Ghost was received by him, and the Spirit 
came down after his departure, as sent from 
the Father in his name. John 14 : 26. Yea, 

* Dr. Edward Reynolds, 110 Ps. 



130 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

as sent by our ascended Saviour. If I de- 
part, I will send him unto you. v. 7. And 
this brings me to the last particular under this 
head. 

4. The Spirit of God convinceth men of 
the righteousness of Christ by his descent on 
the apostles ; by the miraculous gifts he be- 
stowed on them, and the wonderful works he 
wrought by them. 

God giveth not the Spirit by measure to his 
Son. John 3 : 34. After his baptism the 
heavens were opened unto him, and he saw 
the Spirit of God descending like a dove, 
and lighting upon him. By the Spirit of 
God he cast out devils, Matt. 12 : 28, and 
did other wonderful works. However there 
was an extraordinary dispensation of the 
Holy Ghost which was not given till Jesus 
was glorified ; and it is this which seems to 
be here especially intended as that which 
should give the highest evidence and strong- 
est conviction concerning our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and his righteousness. And here 
it may be observed, that though the Holy 
Spirit, being God, is in his nature invisible, 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 131 

yet there were given sensible tokens of his 
presence in this wonderful descent. And 
suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as 
of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the 
house where they were sitting. And there 
appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of 
fire, and it sat upon each of them ; and they 
were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and be- 
gan to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit 
gave them utterance. Acts 2 : 2 — 4. And 
while many of different languages were 
amazed to hear the apostles speak the won- 
derful works of God in their own tongues, 
and others mocked, the apostle Peter de- 
clared that this was the work of the Holy 
Ghost given by our ascended Saviour. There- 
fore being by the right hand of God exalted, 
and having received of the Father the prom- 
ise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth 
this, which ye now see and hear. v. 33. 
Thus they received power from on high to 
publish the gospel to nations whose languages 
they knew not, till they were thus miracu- 
lously taught of God by his Spirit. And no 
doubt, with extraordinary gifts, there was 



132 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

also given to the apostles by the same Spirit, 
a great increase of spiritual knowledge and 
faith, zeal and courage, humility and patience, 
love to God and man, and other graces, to 
carry them well through their services and 
sufferings for the name of Jesus. Our Sa- 
viour promised his disciples, that he would 
give them a mouth and wisdom which all 
their adversaries should not be able to gain- 
say, or resist, Luke 21: 15; and required 
them not to be anxiously concerned how or 
what they should speak when brought before 
governors and kings for his sake ; for, says 
our Lord, It is not ye that speak, but the 
Spirit of your Father which is in you. Matt. 
10 : 20. Accordingly, when Peter and John 
had wrought a wonderful miracle in restoring 
a man, lame from his mother's womb, and 
Peter rilled with the Holy Ghost, had de- 
clared that it was by the name of Jesus that 
the man stood before them whole, and then 
that there was no other name under heaven 
given among men, whereby we must be saved, 
it is observed, Acts 4 : 13, Now when they 
saw the boldness of Peter and John, and 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 133 



t- 



perceived that they were unlearned and igno- 
rant men, they marvelled, and they took 
knowledge of them, that they had been with 
Jesus. Yea, these enemies of Christ were 
convicted by their own consciences that a 
notable miracle had been done. v. 16. And 
no less wonderful was the success of their 
ministry, while the apostles went about thus 
miraculously furnished, and preached a cru- 
cified Saviour. Behold a number of poor 
fishermen subduing the people of every 
tongue and language w T here they came ; I 
say, subduing them to the obedience of faith ! 
What prejudices of education were over- 
come ! What violent lusts and passions con- 
quered ! How did great numbers forsake all, 
yea life itself, that they might win Christ, and 
enjoy the blessedness of the invisible world 
where he is ! Such was the wonderful suc- 
cess of the gospel when preached with the 
Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Ac- 
cordingly, the apostle Paul observeth, That 
God hath chosen the foolish things of this 
world to confound the wise ; and God hath 
chosen the weak things of the world to con- 
12 



134 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

found the mighty • and base things of the 
world, and things which are despised, hath 
God chosen, yea, and things which are not, 
to bring to nought things which are. 1 Cor. 
1: 27, 28. Here those words may be well 
applied, Not by might, nor by power, but by 
my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zech. 
4 : 6. Now surely the Spirit of truth and 
holiness would never have wrought such 
works of grace by the preaching of the name 
of Jesus, had not he been Christ the right- 
eous. 1 Tim. 3 : 16. Without controversy, 
great is the mystery of godliness ; God was 
manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit. 

IV. I would offer some brief description 
of this work of the Spirit, in convincing men 
of righteousness. 

Now in this work the Spirit of God doth 
not only give external evidence in the reve- 
lation of God's word ; but also applieth him- 
self inwardly to the heart, and opens the 
understanding to discern these spiritual things 
concerning Christ and his righteousness, after 
a spiritual manner. So that such as are thus 
favored, see the Son, and believe on him as 
the true Messiah and only Saviour, with that 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 135 

faith which is the evidence of things not 
seen. Heb. 11 : 1. The Spirit of God en- 
lightens the minds of his people with the 
saving knowledge of Christ and his righteous- 
ness. Agreeably the apostle John declareth, 
1 John 2 : 20, Ye have an unction from the 
Holy One, and ye know all things, i. e., all 
things concerning Christ and the Christian 
religion necessary to salvation. The Spirit 
of God may be compared to oil, as this was 
used for light, and in medicine. The Spirit 
heals the visive faculty of the soul, and 
removeth spiritual blindness. He reneweth 
his people in knowledge, Col. 3 : 10. There- 
fore when our Lord had declared to the 
Laodiceans that they were blind, he counsels 
them to anoint their eyes with eye-salve, that 
they might see. Rev. 3 : 18. And when 
this work is wrought by the illumination of the 
Spirit, the gospel revelation concerning Christ 
and his righteousness appeareth in a new 
light. The Sun of righteousness ariseth upon 
the convinced sinner, with healing in his 
wings, "or in his beams." The doctrine of 
God our Saviour appeareth in its reality, im- 
portance and excellency. 



136 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

And accordingly, 

1.- The work of the Spirit, in this convic- 
tion, is a saving work. 

Indeed there may be some persuasion of 
these things from education, there may be a 
notional knowledge and historical faith ; yea, 
we may have the common illumination of the 
Spirit, and receive the revelations of the gos- 
pel with a transient joy ; and yet not see the 
glorious beauty and divine glory of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, so as to count all things but loss 
for the excellency of the knowledge of him. 
But when the Spirit convinceth men of right- 
eousness, in the sense in which I now consider 
the words, there is a renovation of the soul 
in all its powers by vital principles and habits 
of grace infused ; so that men are called out 
of darkness into God's marvellous light. 
However, I do not suppose by this, that in 
passive conversion the Spirit of God first giveth 
the light of this saving conviction of Christ, 
and then this light worketh an habitual change 
in the will and affections. No, I humbly 
conceive that in passive conversion there is 
the habitual change of all the faculties of the 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 137 

soul wrought at once, by the divine operation 
of the Holy Spirit ; and then the understand- 
ing, now savingly enlightened, beholds Jesus 
Christ, in order of nature, before the will and 
affections are drawn to close with him and 
cleave unto him ; yea, so as to incline them 
to act agreeably to the discovery made of this 
glorious object. This is then a saving work 
of the Spirit of God. When Peter therefore 
had made that confession of his faith, Thou 
art Christ, the Son of the living God, our 
Lord pronounced him happy : Blessed art 
thou, Simon Barjona : for flesh and blood hath 
not revealed it unto thee, but my Father 
which is in heaven. Matt. 16 : 16, 17. Thus 
to know Christ is the beginning of eternal 
life. John 17: 3. 

2. In this work the Spirit of God giveth 
the convinced sinner satisfying evidence of 
Christ's ability and readiness to justify and 
save all that come to God by him. 

He convinceth them that how many and 

great soever their sins have been, yet in 

Christ they may have a righteousness every 

way sufficient for their justification before 

12* 



138 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

God, and to give them a sure title to eternal 
life, according to the new and everlasting 
covenant. While men entertain slight thoughts 
of the evil of sin, and of the punishment 
due to them for it, they may also enter- 
tain low, unworthy apprehensions of Christ, 
and yet nourish a carnal confidence that 
he is both able and ready to save them ; 
but when men are convinced of the heinous 
evil of sin as it is an offence against the infi- 
nitely glorious God, and so deserveth eternal 
punishment, now they may be ready to say, 
Can this man save us ? Who is able to de- 
liver us ? Surely none but Almighty God 
can redeem us. Unless the arm of the Lord 
be revealed, all our hope of deliverance is 
perished. But now, in this article of ex- 
tremity, the Spirit of God revealeth Christ as 
Jehovah our righteousness, as the God of sal- 
vation, to whom belong the issues from death ; 
and then the convinced sinner is able to say, 
In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. 
Now he seeth that he who is God hath pur- 
chased the church with his own blood, and 
given his life a ransom for many. And this 
maketh it manifest that God ay be just and 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 139 

yet justify the sinner that believeth in Jesus ; 
yea, that through faith in his blood God de- 
clareth his righteousness for the remission of 
sins. Rom. 3 : 25. And we have the virtue 
of the blood of Christ further declared by a 
comparison from the legal sacrifices. For if 
the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes 
of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth 
to the purifying of the flesh, how much 
more shall the blood of Christ, who through 
the eternal Spirit, offered himself without 
spot to God, purge your conscience from dead 
works to serve the living God. Heb. 9: 13, 
14. If we understand the eternal Spirit 
here, of the godhead of our Lord, this gave 
the highest virtue and value to his offering. 
And then the Holy Ghost sanctified the man 
Christ Jesus in an extraordinary manner to 
this great work, and strengthened him to the 
most perfect exercise of grace in the discharge 
of it. Accordingly such as are convinced of 
righteousness, behold a fountain of merit and 
grace opened in Christ to wash away their 
sins. They see that this divine person is 
worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, 



140 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

in virtue of his obedience unto death, that all 
th& glorious ends of his mediation may be 
accomplished. Yea, the Spirit of God show- 
eth these things in such an agreeable as well 
as convincing light, that the enlightened mind 
is satisfied in this way of obtaining the justi- 
fication of life. This light is sweet to the 
soul, and the believer determineth with the 
apostle to know nothing save Jesus Christ 
and him crucified. See 1 Cor. 2 : 2. And 
then the Spirit of God convinceth men of 
Christ's readiness to save all that go to God 
by him. And now, they receive the calls of 
the gospel, not as the word of men, but of 
God, though men may be the instruments. 
Now they know Christ's voice when he says, 
Come unto me all ye that labor, and are 
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. All 
that the Father giveth me, shall come to me ; 
and him that cometh unto me, I will in no 

wise cast out. John 6: 31. Thev are con- 

•i 

vinced that they have a divine warrant to 
bear them out in this important act of trusting 
in Christ for righteousness, and a divine 
promise of eternal life, upon their obeying 
the gospel call. 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 141 

Which leads me to say, 

3. Thus the Spirit of God maketh men 
freely willing to receive and submit to Christ 
upon the call and offer of the gospel. 

Now the call is effectual. God's people 
are willing in the day of his power. They 
have the great truths of the gospel concern- 
ing Christ and his righteousness demonstrated, 
and their objections drawn from their own 
great sinfulness, answered. And thus our 
Saviour taketh possession of the hearts of 
men, not by violence, but by a sweet, 
and yet powerful divine influence whereby 
they are persuaded to embrace him as the 
Lord their righteousness. Being thus drawn 
by the Spirit, they freely go out to Christ 
renouncing their own righteousness as filthy 
rags, and putting on this best robe of Christ's 
righteousness as every way sufficient to cover 
their nakedness. It is written in the proph- 
ets, And they shall be all taught of God. 
Every man therefore that hath heard and 
learned of the Father cometh unto me. John 
6 : 45. The enlightened mind beholds our 
Lord Jesus as a most suitable and sufficient 



42 



THE HOLY SPIRIT 



Saviour, the renewed will makes choice of 
him, and the uniting affections cleave to him. 



APPLICATION 



Use 1. From what hath been said, we 
may learn the divinity of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

The Old and New Testament agree in 
bearing witness to Jesus Christ as the Son 
of God, the great God our Saviour. And 
when our Lord ascended on high, he received 
of the Father the gift of the Holy Ghost, 
and sent him to convince men of their great 
sin in rejecting him by unbelief, and then to 
show them the perfect righteousness which 
he had wrought out for the justification of 
sinners before God. which must be the right- 
eousness of one who is God-man ; for had 
he been a mere creature though the most ex- 
cellent, his obedience had been due to God 
by the law of creation, and it would have 
been impossible for him to purchase eternal 
salvation for us. But the word of God de- 
clareth, that being in the form of God, he 
thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 143 

but made himself of no reputation, and took 
upon him the form of a servant, and was 
made in the likeness of men ; and being 
found in fashion as a man, he humbled him- 
self, and became obedient unto death, even 
the death of the cross. Phil. 2 : 6 — 8. And 
this being the case, his obedience is strictly 
and properly meritorious ; yea there, is infi- 
nite merit in it to purchase eternal redemption 
for us. And this is one of the deep things 
of God revealed in the gospel, and by the 
Holy Spirit. Our Lord was put to death in 
the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, and 
declared to be the Son of God, the Lord our 
righteousness, by wonderful operations of this 
divine Spirit sent in his name after his ascen- 
sion into heaven. Let us then obey that 
command of God, He is thy Lord, and wor- 
ship thou him. Ps. 45: 11. And let us 
join the heavenly host, saying, Worthy is the 
Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and 
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, 
and glory, and blessing. Rev. 5:12. 

Use 2. Learn the heinous sin and most 
dangerous evil of rejecting Jesus Christ, and 



144 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

neglecting his great salvation under the gospel 
revelation. 

We have the strongest evidence that Jesus 
is the Christ, the only Saviour, in the word of 
God. The doctrines therein delivered con- 
cerning Christ, the history of wonderful 
miracles and works of grace wrought by the 
Spirit in the name of Jesus, put this beyond 
all reasonable doubt. How great then is the 
evil of rejecting Christ ! Surely such as put 
the gospel from them, judge themselves un- 
worthy of everlasting life. How shall we 
escape if we neglect so great salvation, which 
at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and 
was confirmed unto us by them that heard 
him ; God also bearing them witness, both 
with signs and wonders, and with divers 
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, accord- 
ing to his own will. Heb. 2 : 3, 4. And 
still the sin and danger of this is greater, 
when we have had the Spirit of God striving 
with us. When this is done against the 
light and conviction of our consciences, it is 
highly provoking unto God ; and when there 
is added over and above a malicious opposi- 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 145 

tion to the Holy Ghost in his divine opera- 
tions ; this seems to contain in it the malignity 
of that sin which is unto death, and shall not 
be forgiven. When our Lord therefore had 
cast out a devil by the Spirit of God, and the 
Pharisees blasphemed, saying, This fellow 
doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub 
the prince of devils, he declareth to them, 
that the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost 
shall not be forgiven unto men. Matt. 12: 
31. And we have that awful word for our 
warning, It is impossible for them who were 
once enlightened, and have tasted of the 
heavenly gift, and were made partakers of 
the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good 
word of God, and the powers of the world to 
come ; if they shall fall away, to renew them 
again unto repentance : seeing they crucify to 
themselves the Son of God afresh, and put 
him to an open shame. Heb. 6 : 4 — 6. This 
falling away seems to refer to a total and 
wilful apostacy joined with a malicious oppo- 
sition to the Christian religion after we have 
been convinced that it is of God, and have 
made a profession of it. And therefore, 
13 



146 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Peter's fall in denying his Lord, and other 
heinous transgressions of God's children, do 
not come under this head. How dreadful 
then must be the condition of such apostates ! 
How aggravated their sin and punishment ! 
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, 
shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden 
under foot the Son of God, and hath counted 
the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was 
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done 
despite to the Spirit of grace. Heb. 10: 29. 
O let us then take heed and beware of all 
approaches towards this great sin ! Let us 
not indulge an evil heart of unbelief, nor re- 
sist the Spirit of God striving with us. But 
let not any that are seeking the Lord with 
trembling, imagine that this is their case, and 
so discourage themselves, as if there was no 
hope for them : but rather, 

Use 3. Let such as are sensible of their 
sin and guilt, cry to God for his Spirit to give 
them the saving knowledge of Christ, and his 
righteousness, and to enable them to receive 
him as their only Saviour. 

Hath the Spirit of God convinced you of 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 147 

your lost and perishing condition ? Pray to 
the Father then to open your eyes to behold 
his Son, who is come to seek and save that 
which was lost : he who is mighty to save 
inviteth you to come unto him, and promiseth 
he will in no wise cast out them that come 
unto him. Do not say then, that your hope 
is lost, and that you are utterly cut off; but 
rather resolve that you will look and wait for 
God's salvation. Do not attempt to patch 
up a righteousness of your own ; but cast 
away your filthy rags, and go out unto Christ 
for white raiment, that you may be clothed, 
and that the shame of your nakedness may not 
appear. Seek of God that fine linen, clean 
and white, which is the righteousness of 
saints, whereby they stand and are accepted 
as righteous before God, even the righteous- 
ness of Christ imputed and received by faith. 
Put on Christ, and the holy God, looking on 
you as united to him by a true and living 
faith, will behold no iniquity in you so as 
to enter into judgment, and condemn you for 
it. There is no condemnation to them that 
are in Christ Jesus ; who walk not after the 



148 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8: 1. Go 
to Christ then, and say, Lord, I am guilty, I 
cannot conceal it. My own heart condemn- 
eth me, and thou art greater than my heart, 
and knowest all things. But now I humbly 
and thankfully accept thine offer to be my 
surety and advocate with the Father. I put 
my cause into thine hand. O plead it, and 
answer for me ! Let the hand-writing which 
is against me be found cancelled in virtue of 
thy precious blood, and let me be found justi- 
fied through the redemption which is in Christ 
Jesus. Lord, I believe that there is virtue 
enough in thy precious blood to wash away 
all my sins, though they have been as scarlet, 
and red like crimson ; help thou mine unbe- 
lief! Thus do by God's grace, and you may 
have confidence towards God now, and shall 
not be ashamed before him at his coming. No, 
if you appear clothed with the righteousness 
of Jesus Christ, you shall be openly acquitted 
in the day of judgment. But then remember 
that to whom Christ is made of God righteous- 
ness, he is also made sanctification ; and look 
to it that your faith be that living faith which 



CONVINCETH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 149 

purifieth the heart, and worketh by love. 

For that faith which hath not works is dead, 

being alone: James 2: 17; and will leave 

you in a state of death, and damnation. 

That faith by which God's children depend 

entirely upon the meritorious righteousness of 

Christ for justification before God, is also a 

vital principle of new obedience. Look unto 

Jesus then, not only as to the Lord your 

righteousness ; but also as to your head of 

influence, of whose fullness his people receive 

and grace for grace. When you go forth to 

meet the bridegroom, look to it that you have 

the oil of saving grace in your hearts. Thus 

stand with your lights burning, like unto men 

that wait for their Lord ; so shall you be 

found of your Judge in peace, without spot, 

and blameless. 

13* 



LECTUEE IV. 



THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 



JOHN 16: 8. 

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and 
of righteousness, and of judgment. 

DOCTRINE I. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit, to con- 
vince and reprove men of sin. 



DOCTRINE II. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit, to con- 
vince men of righteousness. 

I have considered these two doctrines, and 
shall now speak briefly to the third and last. 

* Preached at the Old South Meeting-House, in Boston, 
Lord's Day, April 26, 1741. 



THE SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 151 
DOCTRINE III. 

It is the work of the Holy Spirit, to con- 
vince men of judgment. 

Under this doctrine we may consider, 

I. What are we to understand by judg- 
ment. 

II. The means which the Spirit useth to 
convince men of this judgment. 

III. I shall give some brief description of 
this work of the Spirit in convincing men of 
judgment. 

I. What are we to understand by judg- 
ment. 

Ans. 1. We may understand it of that 
unjust judgment which men passed on Jesus 
Christ, as if he suffered for his own crimes, 
and his disciples ought to suffer for confessing 
his name before men. 

We read of Jesus, that in his humiliation, 
his judgment was taken away. Acts 8 : 
33. Though Pilate declared, having ex- 
amined him before his accusers, that he 
found no fault in him touching those things 



152 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

whereof they accused him, yet the voices of 
the multitude, and of the high priests pre- 
vailed ; so that Pilate gave sentence it should 
be as they requested. Luke 23 : 34. Many 
were ignorant of the gospel revelation con- 
cerning Jesus Christ. Which none of the 
princes of this world knew : for had they 
known it, they would not have crucified the 
Lord of glory. 1 Cor. 2: 8. And the 
Christian religion is mentioned as a sect or 
heresy everywhere spoken against. Acts 28 : 
22. Thus was the holy Jesus set for a sign 
which should be spoken against. Luke 2 : 34. 
But when the Spirit of God came to dis- 
charge his office as an advocate in behalf of 
our ascended Saviour, he convinced many of 
the great wrong they had done in this matter, 
and rebuked them sharply ; so that they were 
brought to judge and condemn themselves. 
Thus after our Lord had appeared to Saul, 
saying by a voice from heaven, I am Jesus 
whom thou persecutest, and the Spirit of God 
had wrought a thorough change in him, he 
freely acknowledged that he had been a blas- 
phemer, and a persecutor, and injurious. 
1 Tim. 1: 13. 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 153 

2. By judgment we may understand the 
power given to our Lord Jesus Christ to 
govern the world, and to execute judgment 
upon Satan, that grand usurper, and all that 
adhere to him, in opposition to the kingdom 
of God. Agreeably, it is said, v. 11, Of 
judgment, because the prince of this world 
is judged. After our Lord's resurrection he 
said to his disciples, All power is given unto 
me in heaven and in earth. Matt. 28: 18. 
When he ascended on high, he led captivity 
captive, and broke the power of the enemies 
of our salvation ; so that they shall not be 
able to destroy so much as one of those little 
ones who put their trust in him. Here then 
it may be proper to observe, that the apostate 
spirits who left their first habitation are rep- 
resented in Scripture as united under one 
head against Christ and his kingdom. The 
devil, that old serpent, beguiled Eve, and 
prevailed upon her to eat of the forbidden 
fruit, and then by her enticed her husband. 
We read, She took of the fruit thereof, and 
and did eat, and gave also unto her husband, 
with her, and he did eat. Gen. 3 : 6. And 



154 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

thus were our first parents drawn into a rebel- 
lion, against the Lord their maker and great 
benefactor, which must have been destructive 
to them and their sinful progeny, had not God 
sent his Son to destrov the works of the 
devil. The first promise of this was given 
to Adam and Eve before they were cast out 
of the earthly paradise. And I will put enmi- 
ty between thee and the woman, and between 
thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy 
head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Gen. 3: 
15. Here is a sentence of condemnation 
denounced against the devil, and in the same 
words a precious promise of deliverance made 
to God's people. " This seed is the Lord 
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, 
who was to be born of a woman being a 
virgin, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, 
to dispossess the devil, through the merit of 
his death, and the power of his Spirit, of all 
his force. " # Accordingly, when the full- 
ness of time was come, God sent forth his 
Son made of a woman, made under the law, 
to redeem them that were under the law. 



* Dutch Annotations. 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 155 

Gal. 4 : 4, 5. And as our Lord was sent to 
save the lost sons and daughters of Adam, so 
to confound the accursed plots and devices of 
Satan, whereby he sought to ensnare and 
ruin them for ever. Forasmuch then as the 
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he 
also himself likewise took part of the same : 
that through death he might destroy him that 
had the power of death, that is, the devil. 
Heb. 2 : 14. Satan, by the divine permis- 
sion, has the power of death as an execu- 
tioner. He is a murderer, and destroyer. 
But now, the Son of God, having taken on 
him, not the nature of angels, but the seed 
of Abraham, he died on the cross that he 
might condemn sin in the flesh, which is the 
sting of death, bear the curse of that law 
which is the strength of sin ; and so purchase 
reconciliation with God for his people, and 
the gift of the Holy Ghost, to turn sinners 
from the power of Satan unto God. And 
thus Satan's kingdom, which is founded on 
sin, falls to the ground, and his destroying 
power over man is taken away. And there- 
fore when the time of our Lord's death drew 



156 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

nigh, he said. Now is the judgment of this 
world ; now shall the prince of this world be 
cast out. John 12: 31. That is, "My death 
will be the devil's overthrow ; will bring 
down sin, and deliver the world from the 
tyranny and dominion of Satan." * Our 
mighty Redeemer spoiled principalities and 
powers, and triumphed over them on the 
cross. Col. 2: 15. He has purchased a 
glorious victory over Satan, and all our spir- 
itual enemies, sin, this present evil world as 
under the power of the devil and death. 
Agreeably, our Lord said to his disciples, In 
the world ye shall have tribulation : but be 
of good cheer, I have overcome the world. 
John 16 : 33. We read, I will ransom them 
from the power of the grave, I will redeem 
them from death; O death, I will be thy 
plagues ; O grave, I will be thy destruction. 
Hos. 13: 14. And then the word of God 
declareth, that our Lord must reign till all 
enemies are put under his feet. Ps. 110 : 1. 
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my 
right hand, until I make thine enemies thy 

*Mr. Burkitt. 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 157 

footstool. And now the Father hath com- 
mitted all judgment to the Son. He is the 
judge, lawgiver, and king of his people ; and 
as the Lord strong and mighty will he go on 
conquering and to conquer his and his peo- 
ple's enemies, till they shall all be put 
under him; and his people also shall have 
dominion over them, in the great day of judg- 
ment. 

Which leads me to say, 

3. We may understand it of the last 
and general judgment, when our Lord Jesus 
Christ shall appear in the glory of his Father, 
to judge the world in righteousness. 

We read, He hath appointed a day, in the 
which he will judge the world in righteous^ 
ness, by that man whom he hath ordained ; 
whereof he hath given assurance unto all 
men, in that he hath raised him from the 
dead. Acts 17: 31. While our Lord was 
upon earth, he spake of this judgment. When 
the Son of man shall come in his glory, and 
all the holy angels with him, then shall he 
sit upon the throne of his glory. And before 
him shall be gathered all nations. Matt. 25 : 
14 



158 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

31 j 32. And now he is risen and ascended, 
the heaven must contain him until the time 
of restitution of all things, when there shall 
be an end put to the disorder and confusion 
brought into the world by sin, and all shall 
be obliged to say, Verily, there is a reward 
for the righteous ; verily, he is a God that 
judgeth in the earth. And we have an earn- 
est of this in our Lord's power to cast out 
Satan, and in the wonderful reformation 
wrought, when after his ascension, he sent the 
rod of his strength out of Zion, his word ac- 
companied with his Spirit, and so ruled in the 
midst of his enemies. See Ps. 110. But 
we do not as yet see all things put under 
him, as they shall be in the great day. Satan 
is still obeyed as the god of this world, and 
works in the hearts of the children of diso- 
bedience. Antichrist's reign has not a period 
put unto it ; and to this day, the dark places 
of the earth are full of the habitations of 
cruelty. So that even in the last days, there 
are scoffers who say in derision, Where is 
the promise of his coming ? But God by 
his word and Spirit says to us, Behold, the 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 159 

Lord cometh ! Jude vs. 14, 15. And Enoch 
also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of 
these, saying, Behold the Lord cometh with 
ten thousands of his saints, to execute judg- 
ment upon all, and to convince all that are 
ungodly among them, of all their ungodly 
deeds which they have ungodly committed, 
and of all their hard speeches, which ungodly 
sinners have spoken against him. And in 
that great and terrible day of the Lord, the 
devil must be cast into the lake of fire and 
brimstone, to be tormented for ever and ever. 
This the devils believe and tremble. And 
then shall wicked men have that dreadful 
sentence pronounced and executed upon 
them, Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever- 
lasting fire, prepared for the devil and his 
angels. Matt. 25: 41. Sinners have some- 
times such a conviction of this judgment as 
makes them also tremble. As Paul reasoned 
of judgment to come, Felix trembled. Acts 
24 : 25. And then shall the saints have their 
judgment brought forth as the light, and their 
righteousness as the noon-day, when the king 
shall say unto them on his right hand, Come ye 



160 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom 
prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world. Matt. 25 : 34. God's people shall 
have a complete victory over Satan, this pres- 
ent evil world, and the last enemy, death. 
And all the fruits of sin and the curse re- 
specting them shall be fully taken away, 
when Christ shall appear a second time with- 
out sin unto salvation. And the Spirit of 
God now giveth them such a conviction of 
this judgment, that they look for that blessed 
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great 
God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

II. I would consider some of the means 
which the Holy Spirit useth to convince men 
of judgment. 

1. The Spirit of God convinceth men of 
judgment by the miraculous power given to 
the apostles to cast out devils in the name of 
Jesus. 

While our Lord was on earth, he exercised 
this power. He went about doing good, and 
healing all that were oppressed of the devil. 
Acts 10: 38. He cast down Satan, and 
healed many that were under a bodily pos- 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 161 

session. Thus our Lord cast many devils 
out of a miserable man in the country of the 
Gadarenes. Luke 8 : 30. Jesus asked him, 
saying, What is thy name ? And he said 
Legion ; because many devils were entered 
into him. But at Christ's command they 
were dispossessed, v. 33. Then went the 
devils out of the man. And when the sev- 
enty returned, they said, Lord, even the devils 
are subject to us through thy name. Upon 
which our Lord says, I beheld Satan as light- 
ning fall from heaven. Luke 10: 18. And 
after our Saviour Christ was exalted, this 
power was wonderfully manifested by the 
hands of the apostles in the name of Jesus. 
They brought them which were vexed with 
unclean spirits, and they were healed every 
one. Acts 5 : 16. Paul said to the evil spirit 
that had possessed a person as a spirit of 
divination, I command thee in tbs name of 
Jesus to come out of her ; and he came out 
the same hour. Acts 16 : 18. Now the great 
agent in this miraculous work was the Spirit 
of God. Matt. 12 : 28. And by it he con- 
14* 



162 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

vinced men of the dominion of our Lord 
Jesus over the powers of darkness. 

2. The Spirit of God convinceth men of 
judgment by the light of the glorious gospel, 
and the works of grace wrought by it. 

The evil spirits are called the rulers of the 
darkness of this world. Eph. 6 : 12. Satan's 
kingdom is founded on the darkness of sin, 
and supported by ignorance and error. Ac- 
cordingly, the Holy Spirit useth the light of 
his word to subdue him. Thus our Lord 
said to Paul, I have appeared unto thee for 
this purpose, to make thee a minister and a 
witness both of these things which thou hast 
seen, and of those things in the which I will 
appear unto thee ; delivering thee from the 
people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom 
now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to 
turn them from darkness to light, and from 
the power of Satan unto God. Acts 26 : 
16 — 18. Now it is the Spirit of God who 
furnisheth and sends forth these ministers of 
Christ to show men the miserable bondage 
they are under to Satan, and to invite them 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 163 

to come over to Christ, whom God hath set 
for an ensign of the people. Isa. 11 : 10, 
Our Lord while on earth was anointed by the 
Spirit to preach deliverance to the captives. 
And after his ascension he sent forth his apos- 
tles, and others to publish the glad tidings of 
the gospel. And by his word accompanied 
with his Spirit, he broke in pieces the power 
of the enemy. The weapons of our warfare 
are not carnal, but mighty through God to 
the pulling down of strong holds ; casting 
down imaginations, and every high thing that 
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, 
and bringing into captivity every thought to 
the obedience of Christ. The instruments 
indeed were the weak things of the world, 
that the glory of the victory might be given 
to Christ. We have this treasure in earthen 
vessels, that the excellency of the power may 
be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor. 4 : 7. 
Some suppose that here is an illusion to 
Gideon's little army that marched against the 
mighty host of Midian, with trumpets, lamps 
and pitchers ; they blew the trumpets, brake 
the pitchers, and held up the lamps, crying, 



164 



THE HOLY SPIRIT 



The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. 
And the God of armies routed their formida- 
ble enemies. Judges 7. Thus Christ's min- 
isters who are as their brethren, formed out 
of the clay, hold up the light of the gospel, 
and cry aloud as they are directed ; and 
when the almighty Spirit is pleased to work 
with and by them, the powers of darkness 
flee before them, as the shades of night are 
chased away before the springing day, and 
rising sun. Thus was Satan cast out of the 
Gentile world. His oracles were struck dumb, 
his temples and altars were deserted, and 
many turned to God from idols, to serve the 
living and true God, and to wait for his Son 
from heaven. We read that many who used 
curious arts, " the study of magic and divina- 
tion," burned their books, when the word of 
God prevailed ; though the price of them was 
counted, and found to be fifty thousand pieces 
of silver. Acts 19: 19, 26. And by the 
way, when the word of God prevaileth among 
you, the Spirit will convince you of the evil 
of reading romances, plays and other lewd 
books. To return, when Satan was cast out 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 165 

of Rome-Pagan, he gave his power to the 
beast, to Antichrist ; and so set himself again 
in opposition to Christ and his kingdom. But 
our Lord has in a good measure consumed 
him with the spirit of his mouth, the sword 
of the Spirit going out of his mouth, in his 
preached gospel. The apostle John saw in 
vision an angel fly in the midst of heaven^ 
having the everlasting gospel to preach unto 
them that dwell on the earth. Rev. 14 : 6. 
By which we may understand " the faithful 
witnesses of Christ and teachers of the gos- 
pel " who publish the pure doctrines of God's 
word in opposition to the errors and heresies 
of Rome, the angels of the churches, and 
messengers of Christ. And after this, another 
angel crieth, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, v. 8. 
Thus doth the Spirit of God by his word 
plead the cause of Christ against his enemies, 
and convince the obstinate to their confusion, 
that our Lord is above them, even in those 
things wherein they deal most proudly. And 
thus doth he give his people an evident 
demonstration of the authority of Christ to 
execute judgment against the great enemy of 



166 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

their souls. Now it appears that Christ is 
stronger than the strong one, while the devil 
is thus cast down from his usurped throne in 
the hearts of men. When a strong man 
armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in 
peace. But when a stronger than he shall 
come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh 
from him all his armor wherein he trusted, 
and divideth his spoils. Luke 11: 21, 22. 
The words may be fitly applied to the de- 
struction of Satan's power both respecting 
the bodies and souls of men. 

3. The Spirit of God convinceth men of 
this judgment by judicial dispensations of 
providence. 

God is known by the judgments which he 
executeth. And it hath pleased the Father 
to commit this judgment to the Son, the 
power of punishing his and his people's 
implacable enemies, and of correcting his 
covenant people. The apostle Paul says, 
respecting God's own people, When we are 
judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that 
we should not be condemned with the world. 
1 Cor. 11 : 32. Now by these providential 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 167 

dispensations the Spirit of God pleads the 
cause of Christ, as the judge of the world, 
and as the lord and lawgiver of his church ; 
and convinceth men of the necessity of sub- 
mitting to his golden sceptre, lest they be 
broken to pieces with his iron rod. When 
judgment begins at the house of God, there 
is a loud call to the wicked to consider, what 
shall be the end of them that obey not the 
gospel of God. Where shall the ungodly 
and the sinner appear ? See 1 Pet. 4 : 17, 18. 
And thus are sinners sometimes brought to 
make supplication to their judge, sensible that 
it must be a fearful thing to fall into his hand 
as an avenger of sin. And when the chil- 
dren of God behold how the Lord puts away 
the wicked like dross, they cry out with the 
Psalmist, My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, 
and I am afraid of thy judgments. Now 
they are quickened to serve the Lord with 
reverence, and concerned to make it evident 
to themselves that they are not of those who 
must be led forth with the workers of iniquity 
in the great day of judgment. 



168 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

III. I proceed in the last place to give 
some brief description of this work of the 
Spirit in convincing men of judgment. 

The Holy Spirit, the divine author of this 
work, is called the Spirit of judgment. Isa. 
4 : 4. And he may be so called in part as 
he convinceth of judgment. And in this 
work the Holy Spirit brings home the evi- 
dence of this judgment of our Lord Jesus 
Christ by an inward application to the heart 
and conscience, in legal or saving conviction. 

1. In this work the Spirit of God showeth 
the sinner that while he refuseth to submit to 
Christ as his Lord and Redeemer, he is under 
the power of Satan who is leading him cap- 
tive to hell. 

The devil is called the prince of the power 
of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the 
children of disobedience. Eph. 2:2. He is 
here described as one having others under him, 
the prince of devils, as having been, we may 
suppose, the arch-traitor and leader of rebel- 
lion to the apostate spirits. His power is 
confined to this lower world, and is exercised 
over such as continue in disobedience towards 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 169 

their rightful Lord. He may tempt God's 
children ; but he reigns only in the hearts of 
rebellious sinners. These he leads captive at 
his will. But alas ! they are very insensi- 
ble of it. The most do not know, will not 
consider, that this old serpent seeks to beguile 
and cheat them of their precious souls by his 
temptations from the pleasures, riches and 
honors of this world ; and that while he grat- 
ifieth the lust of the flesh, the lust of the 
eye, and the pride of life, he holds them fast 
by these vile lusts, as in chains of darkness. 
But when the Holy Spirit cometh on men to 
deliver them from the destroying power of 
this unclean spirit, he opens their eyes, and 
showeth them this evil one in his own colors. 
And now they are made sensible that as a 
roaring lion, he seeks to devour them ; and 
that none can deliver them but the Lord 
Jesus, who is called the Lion of the tribe of 
Judah. Now they feel that this fiery serpent 
hath injected his deadly poison into their souls, 
and that with the stung Israelites they must 
perish, unless they look to the Son of God, 
who was lifted up on the cross. 
15 



170 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Which leads me to say, 

2. The Holy Spirit revealeth Jesus Christ 
to sinners as their only and almighty Redeem- 
er. The Spirit of God convinceth them of 
the truth of that word, Forasmuch then as 
the children are partakers of flesh and blood, 
he also himself likewise took part of the 
same : that through death he might destroy 
him that had the power of death, that is, the 
devil ; and deliver them who through fear of 
death were all their life-time subject to bond- 
age. Heb. 2: 14, 15. And that Christ is 
able to bring forth judgment to victory, by 
rescuing miserable sinners, and so taking the 
prey out of the hand of the mighty. 

3. The Spirit of God enableth his people 
to submit to Christ as their prince and Sa- 
viour, renouncing the devil and all his works. 
They can say, Though this cruel lord has 
had the dominion over us, yet now will we 
make mention of the name of Christ, as our 
only rightful Lord and Master. And they 
are willing that those lusts whereby Satan 
held them, should all be slain before the 
Lord ; because these also are enemies to 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 171 

Christ. Thus they go over to Christ, to list 
under his banner, whom God hath given to 
be a leader and commander to the people, to 
bring many sons to glory, as the captain of 
their salvation. They are willing in the day 
of God's power. Ps. 110 : 3. In this re- 
spect, they are not as pressed men ; but as 
volunteers, freely offer themselves, and so 
come to the help of the Lord against the 
mighty. By the evidence of the Spirit they 
discern clearly that the service of Satan is 
vile slavery, and the wages death ; and ac- 
cordingly they desert him with a holy indig- 
nation, and a desire of taking a holy revenge 
of him. They also see that the service of 
Christ is glorious liberty, and the gracious 
reward, eternal life ; and accordingly they 
willingly subscribe their hand to the Lord, 
and enter into an oath that they will be for 
him and no other. And thus are they deliv- 
ered from the power of darkness, and trans- 
lated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. 
Col. 1: 13. Satan is cast down, and cast 
out of their hearts ; so that though he may 
tempt, he shall never again usurp dominion 



172 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

over them. The Son of God in opposition 
to this usurper, cometh into their souls, and 
taketh possession of them as his own. And 
they are enabled to open the everlasting doors 
of their hearts, that the King of glory may 
come in. They say to the Son and Lord of 
David, something as Amasa to king David, 
when the Spirit came upon him, Thine are we, 
David, and on thy side ; peace, peace be unto 
thee, and peace be to thine helpers ; for thy 
God helpeth thee. Nor doth the noise of war 
discourage them ; for now the Spirit gives 
them a view of Christ as the Lord, strong and 
mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. They 
realize that there can be no true safety, no 
victory, no triumph, but in abiding loyal to 
Christ, and standing firm on his side. 

4. The Spirit of God convinceth his peo- 
ple of this judgment, by bruising Satan under 
their feet more and more, and by giving them 
the lively hope of a complete victory over him, 
and all their enemies, at the day of judgment. 

God's people under this conviction of the 
Spirit, behold Satan as a conquered enemy, 
and believe that God will fulfil his word by 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 173 

bruising him under their feet. And they 
happily find that he that has begun the good 
work is carrying it on towards perfection 
against all opposition from their spiritual ene- 
mies. The Spirit of God inspireth them 
with courage and skill to resist the devil stead- 
fastly. He teacheththem to fight the battles 
of our Lord, looking to Jesus Christ, that they 
may be strong in the Lord, and in the power 
of his might. He enableth them to use their 
spiritual weapons with dexterity and success. 
He enableth them to put on the whole armor 
of God, that they may be able to stand 
against the wiles of the devil ; to take the 
shield of faith, wherewith they quench the 
fiery darts of the wicked ; and the sword of 
the Spirit, which is the word of God. The 
Spirit of God also is in his people a spirit of 
supplication, helping their infirmities, and ex- 
citing them to cry to the Lord for grace and 
strength to help them, while they are wrest- 
ling against the rulers of the darkness of this 
world. And thus do they receive fresh sup- 
plies and succors from the Lord, in their 
times of need. Agreeably, the apostle Paul 
15* 



174 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

declareth, that God's people are more than 
conquerors, through him that loved them. 
For I am persuaded, says he, that neither 
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor 
things present, nor things to come, shall be 
able to separate us from the love of God 
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. And the 
same apostle gives thanks to God, who always 
caused them to triumph in Christ. 2 Cor. 2 : 
14. Our Jesus, our Joshua, even now caus- 
eth his people to put their feet upon the necks 
of their spiritual enemies, and giveth them 
the assurance of a complete victory and tri- 
umph, when they shall sit on thrones, judging 
the world. 1 Cor. 6 : 2, 3. Do ye not 
know that the saints shall judge the world ? 
Know ye not that we shall judge angels ? 
" They may first be acquitted," says an expos- 
itor on the place, " and then advanced to the 
bench, to approve and applaud the righteous 
judgment of Christ, both on men and angels." 

APPLICATION. 

Use 1. Doth the Spirit of God convince 
men of their unjust judgment concerning 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 175 

Christ ? Let us then ask the Spirit to give us 
a right and sound judgment concerning our 
Lord Jesus Christ, his person, offices and 
works. 

Since the fall, men are alienated from the 
life of God, through the ignorance that is in 
them, because of the blindness of their heart. 
Eph. 4:18. And in a particular manner, 
they are prone to entertain strong prejudices 
against Christ, and the way of salvation by 
him. And Satan, if God permit, will be 
active in tempting them to entertain false 
opinions concerning the only Saviour, that if 
possible he may hinder them from believing 
in him to the salvation of their souls. In 
whom the god of this world hath blinded the 
minds of them which believe not, lest the 
light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is 
the image of God, should shine unto them. 
2 Cor. 4:4. O let us then beseech the 
Lord to grant us the light and influence of his 
good Spirit, that we may have right appre- 
hensions of the Son of God, and not have our 
minds corrupted with any false doctrines 
relating to the union of his divine and human 



176 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

nature in one person, or the great end of his 
death, or his ability and readiness to save 
even the chief of sinners. Lest that should 
come upon us which is spoken of in the 
prophets, and was fulfilled in many of God's 
ancient people, Behold, ye despisers, and 
wonder, and perish ; for I work a work in 
your days, a work which you shall in no wise 
believe, though a man declare it unto you. 

Use 2. Let what has been said awaken 
secure sinners, who are going on in acts of 
rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ. 

How great is your sin and danger, while 
you stand in opposition to the Lord Jesus, to 
whom the Father hath committed all judg- 
ment ! What is this, but to set briers and 
thorns against consuming fire ? And who is it 
you are confederate with, in this accursed 
rebellion ? With Satan, the sworn enemy of 
God and man ; who is also a conquered ene- 
my, reserved in everlasting chains of dark- 
ness, unto the judgment of the great day. O 
awake then, and cry for mercy ! Agree with 
your adversary quickly, while you are in the 
way with him, and before he shall enter into 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 177 

judgment with you. He will overcome when 
he judgeth. There lieth no appeal from his 
sentence, nor can any deliver out of his hand. 
Now then, while he is seated on a throne of 
grace, make peace with him, and accept of 
pardon upon gospel terms ; lest you have 
judgment without mercy in the terrible day of 
the Lord, and with amazement say to the 
mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us 
from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, 
and from the wrath of the Lamb ; for the 
great day of his wrath is come ; and who 
shall be able to stand ? Rev. 6 : 16, 17. 
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish 
from the way, when his wrath is kindled 
but a little ; blessed are all they who put 
their trust in him. 

Use 3. Learn that the faithful people of 
God have strong encouragement and consola- 
tion in Christ Jesus, under all the trials and 
temptations of this life. 

You are engaged in a warfare with power- 
ful enemies, sin, Satan, and this present evil 
world ; and if you look no higher than your- 
selves, you may be ready to say, I shall one 



178 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

day fall by the hands of these enemies. But 
then, if you look to Jesus, the captain of your 
salvation, you may encourage yourselves with 
those words, Fear not : for they that be with 
us are more than they be that be with them. 
2 Kings 6 : 16. The Son of God, in our 
nature, hath encountered and overcome the 
tempter ; and it is declared of him, A bruised 
reed shall he not break, and smoking flax 
shall he not quench, till he send forth judg- 
ment unto victory. Matt. 12: 20. He him- 
self hath suffered being tempted, and there- 
fore is able to succor you under your tempta- 
tions. O child of God ! be not discouraged, 
either at the number, or power and policy of 
your spiritual enemies. Stronger is he that 
is in you, than he that is in the world. Be 
strong in the Lord then, and in the power of 
his might. Go forth against these enemies in 
the name of the Lord ; through him shall 
you do valiantly, and tread them under that 
rise up against you. Let this then animate 
you to fight the good fight of faith, and endure 
hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. 
His arm, and the light of his countenance 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 179 

will give you the victory. And let God's 
people, under the present dark aspects of 
divine Providence, behold all judgment com- 
mitted to the Son, and realize it that he 
governs all affairs even those which appear 
most intricate and perplexed, with unerring 
wisdom, irresistible power, and with a tender 
concern for the salvation of his people ; so 
that in the end, Zion shall arise and shine, 
with the glory of the Lord risen upon her; 
and her enemies shall lick the dust. Trust 
in the Lord therefore at all times, ye people, 
pour out your heart before him. And hear 
that word, Ps. 27 : 14, Wait on the Lord, 
be of good courage, and he shall strengthen 
thine heart ; wait, I say, on the Lord. 

Use 4. Let such as are under a preparatory 
work of conviction, look unto Jesus to bruise 
Satan under their feet. 

Be not dismayed if you should find a vio- 
lent struggle, when our Lord is coming by 
his Spirit to deliver you from the destroying 
power of Satan. But encourage yourselves 
to seek the Lord more earnestly that he 
would rebuke the tempter, and not suffer you 



180 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

to be tempted above what you are able to 
bear. Do not listen to the suggestions of this 
evil one ; but look to Jesus to execute judg- 
ment upon him. If he tempt you to hurt 
your bodies, hearken to that word, Do thyself 
no harm. Or if he should tempt you to de- 
stroy your souls by presumption or despair, 
reject his evil motions with abhorrence, and 
labor to cherish the motions of the good 
Spirit of God in opposition to him. Be not 
afraid to worship God in secret, lest he should 
appear to you ; but consider, our Saviour 
holds him as in a chain, and can control him 
at his pleasure. Say to the Lord, Rule thou 
over us, and let this usurper be cast out of 
our hearts. And pray God to subdue every 
lust, that there may be none retained where- 
by the devil shall keep possession of your 
souls. 

Use 5 Let us all be exhorted to submit to 
Christ as our rightful Lord, and to stand on 
his side against the devil and his angels. 

There are two kingdoms which divide the 
whole world, the kingdom of God's dear Son, 
and the kingdom of darkness. And we must 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 181 

belong to the one, or the other. Here none 
may presume that they can stand neuter. If 
you refuse to stand on Christ's side, you must 
expect to be treated as enemies to him. Here 
then, I set before you life and death, blessing 
and cursing. If you continue under the 
power of Satan, you must finally perish with 
him in hell. But if you now submit to 
Christ, you shall obtain the blessings of the 
kingdom of grace, and in due time be ad- 
vanced to the kingdom of glory, where there 
is neither adversary, nor evil occurrent. Be 
persuaded then to stand on this side, and you 
will have the best cause, the best leader, and 
certain victory in God's time ; the reward 
of which is not a fading laurel, but a crown 
of glory which fadeth not away. 

And here give me leave to direct the exhor- 
tation, 

To children. Submit to Christ, and list 
under his banner. Dear children, your tender 
years need not discourage you from engaging 
in this war ; for our Lord ordains strength out 
of the mouth of babes, that he may still the 
enemy and the avenger. The power and 
16 



182 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

grace of our Saviour are magnified, while he 
perfecteth praise out of your mouths, and 
makes you victorious over the sinful follies 
and vanities of childhood. 

To young men. Do you also submit to 
Christ, and list under his banner. Obey that 
word, Thou therefore, my son, be strong in 
the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 2:1. 
Flee youthful lusts which war against the 
soul ; and while you strive for the mastery, 
be temperate in all things. When Satan 
tempts you to walk in the ways of your heart, 
and after the sight of your eyes, realize 
that for these things God will bring you into 
judgment, and then say, How can I do this 
wickedness, and sin against God ? How shall 
I be able to lift up my head, when I must 
appear before the judgment seat of Christ ? 
Thus resist the devil, and he shall flee from 
you. O, how lovely a sight is it, to behold 
our youth denying the solicitations of Satan, 
when he urgeth them to gratify their carnal 
appetites, in this age of pleasure ! I have 
written unto you, fathers, because ye have 
known him that is from the beginning. I write 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 183 

unto you, young men, because ye are strong, 
and the word of God abideth in you, and ye 
have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2 : 14. 

Again, Let the weaker sex willingly offer 
themselves among the people, and engage in 
this holy war. Arise with Deborah, a mother 
in Israel, go forth against the enemy, and 
you shall have occasion to sing with her, O my 
soul, thou hast trodden down strength. You 
need not fear, having such a leader to go be- 
fore you. And for your further encourage- 
ment, I may observe to you, that in the holy 
army of martyrs who overcame by the blood 
of the Lamb, we have some heroic examples 
of courage and firmness of mind even among 
women, and that when called to resist unto 
blood, striving against sin. 

Let our aged go forth against the enemy, 
and fight the Lord's battles. There is no 
discharge in this war. No, you must be 
faithful to death. And if any, we may well 
expect that old disciples, who have for a 
long time followed Christ, should resist the 
devil with holy courage and skill, as not being 
ignorant of his devices. A few contests more, 



184 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

and you shall be able to say with Paul the 
aged, I have fought a good fight, I have fin- 
ished my course, I have kept the faith. Hence- 
forth there is laid up for me a crown of right- 
eousness, which the Lord the righteous judge 
shall give me at that day. 2 Tim. 4 : 7, 8. 

[A single paragraph, addressed to the Indians and 
negroes in the author's congregation, is here omitted.] 

Let parents, and masters of families, sub- 
mit to Christ, and train up their children and 
all under their care for his service. And 

Let the pastors of the churches be exhorted 
to lead forth their flocks in opposition to the 
powers of darkness, and do your utmost by 
purity of doctrine, by the exercise of an holy 
discipline, and by your good conversation, that 
Satan's kingdom may fall, and Christ's king- 
dom may be more and more set up upon the 
ruins of it. 

In a word and to conclude : In this remark- 
able season, let us be earnest with God for 
the more plentiful effusions of his Spirit, that 
there may stand up an exceeding great army 
to fight the battles of the Lord, and take the 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 185 

kingdom of heaven with an holy violence. 
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most 
Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 
And in thy majesty ride prosperously, because 
of truth, meekness, and righteousness. And 
thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 
Let thine arrows be sharp in the heart of the 
King's enemies, and the people fall under thee. 
Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies, and 
make thy people willing in the day of thy 
power. And let us avoid every thing that 
has a tendency to quench the Spirit, and so 
to hinder the success of the gospel. Let us 
remember that true godliness hath its influ- 
ence on the whole conversation. And ac- 
cordingly, let us seek first the kingdom of 
God and his righteousness, and then look 
well to the ways of our households, and take 
care that we, our children and servants, be 
well employed in the particular business to 
which God calls us. Let children be well 
governed. Let them duly attend the school, 
and be in subjection to their parents, and all 
over them in the Lord. Let every thing that 
is good in them be cherished and encouraged, 
17 



186 THE HOLY SPIRIT 

and at the same time prudent methods be 
used that the good be not evil spoken of, 
through their weakness and infirmity. And 
let us all watch and pray, lest we enter into 
temptation. Let us try the spirits, and not 
give place to the devil, though he should be 
transformed into an angel of light. We may 
well expect that this malicious and subtle ad- 
versary will be busy at such a time as this ; 
and should accordingly be upon our guard, 
that we may not be caught in his snare. Let 
none be lifted up with pride, lest they fall 
into the condemnation of the devil. Do not 
say in vain boasting, Stand by thyself, come 
not near to me, for I am holier than thou. 
Where God makes the difference, give him 
the glory ; and behave with great modesty 
and humility. Let not your zeal be furious 
and disorderly, censorious and uncharitable ; 
but according to knowledge, and a sound 
judgment. Be zealous therefore, and repent, 
remember the first love, and do the first 
works. Consider, the fruit of the Spirit is 
love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
goodness, faith. And they that are Christ's 



CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 187 

have crucified the flesh, with the affections 
and lusts. Let the children of God quicken 
their pace in the way towards heaven, saying 
with the apostle, I count not myself to have 
apprehended ; but this one thing I do, for- 
getting those things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto those things which are 
before, I press toward the mark, for the prize 
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 
Phil. 3 : 13, 14. And let such as are under 
good impressions from the Spirit, take heed 
to themselves, and beware of apostasy. O, 
ponder those awful words, If any man draw 
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 
Heb. 10 : 38. But if there should come a fall- 
ing away respecting some that have promised 
fair, let us not be shaken in mind as if the 
main work was not of God, nor take up an 
evil report against it. Scripture and experi- 
ence warn us to fear and prepare for such a 
trial. But, O thou God of all grace, keep 
us from falling. Let thy work appear more 
and more to thy servants, and thy glory unto 
their children ; confirm, increase and perfect 
it to the praise of thy glorious grace. 



188 THE SPIRIT CONVINCETH OF JUDGMENT. 

And may our Lord utterly destroy Anti- 
christ by the brightness of his coming. May 
he bind Satan, and cast him into the bottom- 
less pit. And may that voice be heard, 
saying, The kingdoms of this world are be- 
come the kingdom of our Lord, and of his 
Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. 
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 



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